To be blunt, I hate my current workflow. I’ve got my business running with such a nightmare combination of software and hardware, and something’s got to change.
I’ve got desktop software mixed with online apps, paid mixed with free, Windows laptop mixed with iPhone. In my attempt to have each component be the best choice for me, I’ve ended up with something even Dr. Frankenstein would disown.
What I want to do is get some consistency throughout my setup, even if that means not all of the components are #1 in their respective fields. So, either I go all Windows, all Mac, or all Linux. Maybe that’s a bit extreme, but I’m willing to try it out to see if it improves my output.
The catalyst for this was twofold. I need a new phone, and I want to get more of my operation online. I’ve been going back and forth between iOS and Android. (I’m currently running a very beat up iPhone 3G) I’ve got a ton of music, which favours iPhone, but I hate being tied down to iTunes and Apple’s crazy control-freak tendencies. My reliance on desktop software for bookkeeping is also frustrating. Now that I’m working more with people remotely, I’d like to be able to run a program that lets them check in to their data from time to time. So far, I haven’t found any online bookkeeping software that lets you manage multiple clients like I can in QuickBooks.
So, this post is both an announcement and a call for help. My plan was to either try switching to Linux or Mac as an experiment. After speaking to my bookkeeper (you may know him as…me), we decided all new Mac hardware wasn’t in the budget. Instead, I’ve got Ubuntu dual-booting on my Dell Studio 15, and I’m going to see if it’s possible to get my work done in Linux.
To my current clients, don’t worry. I’m testing this out on my own books for now, so your data is safe. Part of my test will include running QuickBooks using a couple different methods (once again, using a copy of my own business’ data). I’ll also try out online options, as well as a Linux desktop program.
I would love, and really need, your insight. Although I have used Linux before, I never stuck with it long enough to be an expert. I certainly haven’t tried doing the books with it before. If you have any experience with bookkeeping in Linux, please let me know your results. I’m also open to suggestions about my new smartphone. I’m on Rogers, but could also switch to Bell if the right phone came along.
I’ll keep you up to date on this experiment as it unfolds.
I can relate to your dilemma but from a different side. I am an IT guy who is trying to formalize his company. I work with Mac & Windows mostly with my “real job” but have tinkered with Linux & open source for years. I just recently got a new laptop so now I have something half decent that I can use & have decided to start making switch over to Linux.
One of the things I want to do moving forward is to use software that is cross-platform (Linux, Mac & Windows) & potentially connects to web services. For the most part all the software is not a problem to choose, install & manage, but the problem I have is getting thing set up business wise.
More specifically, around setting up a chart of accounts, know what goes where, etc. I have taken some basic business classes & an accounting course but that was long ago & I am not sure how relevant things are. My father in law is in teh process of retire from accounting, taxes & book-keeping, so I totally respect him not wanting to “take on another client” & help me out. Besides I should do it myself & learn so I can possibly offer services like that to clients down the road.
I am also in the process of evaluating a new phone & am on Bell also…so we seem to be more alike then not. Wife wants an iPhone & I want an Android. currently liking the Motorola Atrix set to be released on Bell in March. Has a dock that is kind of like a laptop.
So it looks like I can relate to you on many levels…including being Canadian. LOL! Maybe we can exchange some tips or something? Who knows!
Thanks for the comments TekBudda,
I agree with you on the cross-platform aspect. It would be nice to be able to test out a new OS, and not have to turn your whole life upside down in the process.
As far as the Chart of Accounts goes, most bookkeeping apps will start out with a basic set of accounts that will cover most of your needs. From there, if you have any questions on what goes where, I’d be glad to help. If you have any questions as you go along, email me at eric@thatbookkeeper.com and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
Yes, the Atrix looks ridiculous…it’s very tempting. I know that new phones (including a new iPhone) will out this year, so maybe I should hold out. Then again, it might take a long time for the new phones to show up in Canada. It’s so hit and miss with that industry.
I’m still not sure I can give up the media features of iPhone. I heard that Android 2.3 will be much better for that, but we’ll have to see. Let me know if you have any advice.
Ubuntu and GNU cash are great for bookkeeping. I’ve been using GNU cash for a while then switched to money. Now i’m using ubuntu as my primary desktop and running money inside of virtual box. it does that time to get everything working, but i have a technical background so it wasn’t so bad for me.
Thanks Alwain.
GnuCash seems to be the one that keeps popping up, so I’ll give it a shot.
No problem, good luck 🙂