Intuit® QuickBooks® Simple Start Free Edition 2010
Just the basics — from the makers of America's #1 small business financial software. It's so easy to use, your clients can spend more time growing their business and making money, not bookkeeping.
Why Recommend Simple Start?
- Grow your practice by offering Simple Start Free Edition to introduce or train clients on the benefits of financial management software.
- Files are compatible with QuickBooks Premier Accountant 2010, so you can quickly and accurately perform bookkeeping, write-up, and reporting tasks.
- One click instantly creates an "Income Tax Report" that is ready for review.
Features & Benefits for your Clients
Benefits for your clients:
- Provides just the essentials — won't overwhelm simple businesses with tools they don't need.
- Track sales, expenses and up to 20 customers all in one place.
- Easy for your clients to learn and use.
- Step-by-step interactive tutorials help them get started.
- Creates professional-looking invoices, estimates and sales receipts.
- Automatically tracks tax-related income and expenses.
- When clients outgrow Simple Start, all their existing data converts easily into QuickBooks Pro or Premier.
With Simple Start, your clients can save time on routine accounting tasks:
- Easily print checks, pay bills and track expenses
- Track sales, sales taxes & customer payments
- Track customer and vendor contacts
- Manage payroll & payroll taxes; offer Direct Deposit1 (sold separately)
- Quickly create estimates & invoices2
1 Requires paid subscription, EIN and Internet access. For Mac: Requires QuickBooks Payroll for Mac, powered by PayCycle, Inc. Additional fees apply. Internet access required. Adobe Reader is required to print checks and forms. Service not available in Canada. You can also choose to use Aatrix Top Pay (software not included).
2 Outlook integration requires Outlook or Outlook Express 2000, 2002, 2003 or 2007. For Mac: Requires Apple Mail®; Microsoft® Entourage® 2004 or 2008 for Mac.
System Requirements
System Requirements
Recommended System Configuration1
- Windows XP (SP2), Vista or 7
- 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor (2.4 GHz recommended)
- 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended) for a single user, 1 GB of RAM for multiple, concurrent users
- 1 GB of available disk space (additional space required for data files)
- 232 MB for Microsoft .NET 3.5 Runtime, provided on the QuickBooks CD
- Monitor display resolution of 1024 X 768 at 16-bit color (Supports 800x600 with small fonts)
- 4x speed CD-ROM drive
- All online features/services require Internet access
- Internet Explorer 6 or later must be installed on every computer running QuickBooks.
Software Integration and Compatibility
- Microsoft Word and Excel 2002, 2003 and 2007
- Contact synchronization requires Microsoft Outlook, 2002, 2003, and 2007 (synch tool downloadable for free at: http://www.quickbooks.com/contact_sync
- Compatible with QuickBooks Point of Sale version 5.0 and later
Multi-User Networking Requirements
- Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 2003 Server, and Windows 2008 Server
- Linuz is supported for Enterprise Solutions only (Fedora 10)
Download requirements
You must have all three of the following to download QuickBooks:
- Administrator permissions on this computer
- Any download accelerator disabled
- A high-speed Internet connection (DSL, cable modem, or higher)
- 2.5 GB free disk space
After installing QuickBooks, you can delete the installations program from your computer to free up disk space. The QuickBooks Pro and Premier installers give you the option to auto-delete those files. Choose that option to free up disk space immediately.
Important: Customers with dial-up connections cannot download QuickBooks, due to the large file size.
Download file sizes and download times
File sizes and typical download times for cable and DSL modems are listed below. Actual download times will vary depending upon modem speed, Internet traffic, time of day, and other factors.
| Product | Download File Size | Estimated Download Time (cable modem) | Estimated Download Time (DSL) |
| QuickBooks Simple Start | 343 MB | 30 min | 60 min |
| QuickBooks Pro, or Premier | 337 MB | 30 min | 60 min |
For more details on downloading QuickBooks, see our
download faqs.2
1 To find your computer's system requirements:
Click on the Start button (located on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen)
Select Settings >> Control Panel
Click on System. The Processor and RAM are listed on the bottom right of this screen.
To find your computer's disk space, double-click on My Computer (located on your Desktop).
2 QuickBooks Reinstall CD-ROM: As part of your QuickBooks purchase & download, we will mail you a reinstall CD-ROM. If your computer crashes or you buy a new computer, you're covered - you can use the CD-ROM to install your QuickBooks software again.
Click on the Start button (located on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen)
Select Settings >> Control Panel
Click on System. The Processor and RAM are listed on the bottom right of this screen.
To find your computer's disk space, double-click on My Computer (located on your Desktop).
2 QuickBooks Reinstall CD-ROM: As part of your QuickBooks purchase & download, we will mail you a reinstall CD-ROM. If your computer crashes or you buy a new computer, you're covered - you can use the CD-ROM to install your QuickBooks software again.
FAQs
- Q: What's the difference between Simple Start Free edition and Simple Start?
- Q: My business doesn't need "accounting software." What's different about Simple Start?
- Q: My spreadsheet works fine. What else can Simple Start do for me?
- Q: Can Simple Start grow with my business?
- Q: How can I tell which edition of QuickBooks I need?
- Q: Does Simple Start handle inventory?
- Q: What if I decide I like my old method better?
- Q: How long does it take to get started with Simple Start?
- Q: Can Quicken do the same thing as Simple Start?
- Q: Will QuickBooks 2010 run on Microsoft Windows Vista?
- Q: How can I get help with Simple Start?
- Q: Is there specific QuickBooks training available?
- Q: What is a ProAdvisor? Can they help me set up Simple Start?
- Q: Where can I find guidance and tips from other QuickBooks users?
- Q: How do I find my computer system configurations?
- Q: Can I set up payroll on Simple Start?
- Q: What other business products and services work with Simple Start?
- Q: Can QuickBooks handle credit card and debit card payments?1
- Q: Are there any third-party solutions that integrate and extend Simple Start functionalities?
- Q: Can I import downloaded bank account transactions into Simple Start?
- Q: Can I import previous versions of QuickBooks (Pro or Premier), Quicken, PeachTree, or Microsoft Excel data into Simple Start?
Q: What's the difference between Simple Start Free edition and Simple Start?
A: QuickBooks Simple Start Free Edition only lets you track 20 customers while QuickBooks Pro lets you track thousands.
Q: My business doesn't need "accounting software." What's different about Simple Start?
A: Simple Start is designed for people who don't want or need full-fledged "accounting software," just an easy way to efficiently keep track of sales, expenses, and customers. If you've been using paper ledgers, spreadsheets to track your numbers, and word processing documents or paper forms for your invoices and sales receipts, Simple Start is perfect for you.
Q: My spreadsheet works fine. What else can Simple Start do for me?
A: Plenty! QuickBooks: Simple Start can help you avoid errors, save time, and keep you much more organized. Simple Start tracks all your transactions and invoices in one place, giving you easier access to more information than you could possibly get from a paper-based system or a spreadsheet.
You can automatically run reports that tell you where you stand on everything from profits and losses to sales and expenses. Simple Start saves you hours at tax time by giving you all the totals you need for your tax forms.
Q: Can Simple Start grow with my business?
A: Simple start makes it very easy for small business owners to start tracking their finances more efficiently, without having to learn complicated software or complex accounting concepts. As your business becomes more complex, you can easily upgrade to QuickBooks: Pro, Premier, or Online Edition. All the data you've entered in Simple Start will transfer to your new edition, so you can access it instantly.
Q: How can I tell which edition of QuickBooks I need?
A: If you're currently using a spreadsheet or paper ledger to keep track of your money, QuickBooks: Simple Start may be perfect for you. Users call it "amazingly easy." It lets you track money coming into and going out of your business just by writing checks, issuing invoices, and sales receipts.
For businesses that need additional tools, like inventory, time tracking, and more advanced reporting, QuickBooks: Pro is a more advanced, full-featured financial management system. It offers more flexible customization options for your forms, more flexible pricing options, and report customization. It can share information with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word. And it can accommodate 5 simultaneous users over a network.
QuickBooks: Premier offers the most comprehensive set of QuickBooks tools, including tools for business planning and forecasting, and advanced inventory management. QuickBooks: Premier is also available in customized industry specific editions designed to meet the needs of contractors, accountants, nonprofit organizations, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and professional services providers
Finally, QuickBooks: Online Edition is a complete accounting package that gives you access to your financial data anytime anywhere, via the Web. You can also use it to allow multiple users access to the same data simultaneously from wherever they happen to be located.
Note: Simple Start is for NEW QuickBooks users. Simple Start cannot import data from prior versions of QuickBooks Pro or Premier.
Q: Does Simple Start handle inventory?
A: With Simple Start you can keep a list of all items you sell but it does not have inventory functionalities.
If you need to keep track of your inventory you may find QuickBooks: Pro or Premier to be a more appropriate solution for you.
Q: What if I decide I like my old method better?
A: Try QuickBooks for up to 60 days at no risk. If you're not 100% satisfied for any reason, please call customer service within 60 days of purchase at 1-800-446-8848 to request a refund. To process your request, the agent will need the product license number located on the CD.
Q: How long does it take to get started with Simple Start?
A: Get started quickly with a simple setup interview. Answer three easy questions to customize Simple Start for your business. Then you're ready to work.
Q: Can Quicken do the same thing as Simple Start?
A: Quicken is specifically designed to handle personal finances while Simple Start handles small business finances. Each product is tailored with features, reports, and workflows to meet the needs of its specific audience.
Q: Will QuickBooks 2010 run on Microsoft Windows Vista?
A: Yes, QuickBooks will run on the Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems. For information on using previous versions of QuickBooks on Windows Vista, please see: www.quickbooks.com/support/vista.
Q: How can I get help with Simple Start?
A: Simple Start is so easy to use, you may never need help. But just in case you do need assistance, there's plenty of help available in the product and from our top-notch technical support staff. Interactive two-minute tutorials right in the software give you an overview and show you how to perform everyday jobs. You can get additional help with any task by clicking on the "Help" menu. You'll also find answers to frequently asked questions at www.quickbooks.com/support.
Q: Is there specific QuickBooks training available?
A: Yes. There is a wide variety of QuickBooks-specific training available to help new users get started, learn, and confidently use QuickBooks. Visit www.quickbooks.com/training to learn about the QuickBooks training that is right for your business.
Q: What is a ProAdvisor? Can they help me set up Simple Start?
A: Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors are independent CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, computer consultants, and trainers who work with small businesses. They are considered QuickBooks experts because they have successfully completed comprehensive and rigorous QuickBooks training developed by Intuit. ProAdvisors help businesses like yours get started, and can customize QuickBooks for your unique needs to help you get the most out of the software.
Q: Where can I find guidance and tips from other QuickBooks users?
A: Visit the QuickBooks User Community to connect with other QuickBooks users and experts, ask questions, and share advice. Search or browse through a variety of discussion topics or post your own question.
Q: How do I find my computer system configurations?
A: To find your computer system configurations:
Processor and RAM:
Q: Can I set up payroll on Simple Start?
A: Yes, Simple Start can track payroll (additional fees apply). But if you want to populate and print 1096 and 1099 forms for contractors, you'll want to use QuickBooks Pro instead.
Q: What other business products and services work with Simple Start?
A: The QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace offers software applications that integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks. Eliminate data reentry and save time, so you can focus on more important things. Developed by industry experts, these software applications help solve the business needs for those in construction, retail, manufacturing, legal, non-profit, and other industries.
View the products and services available at our online QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace. Some additional products and services include:
A: Yes. You can accept all major credit cards and debit cards right in QuickBooks if you have an Intuit QuickBooks Merchant Service account, the only payment processing solution that allows you to process payments directly into QuickBooks.2 No new hardware, software, or phone lines are required. Eliminate the need for double data entry; just process the credit card and debit card transactions directly in QuickBooks and the data is automatically recorded in your QuickBooks software.
QuickBooks now also helps you keep more accurate records by telling you which customer payments have been deposited to your bank and by allowing you to download your QuickBooks Merchant Service fees directly into QuickBooks. QuickBooks Merchant Service is sold separately. No teaser rates, no hidden fees, no cancellation fees, and no long-term contracts.
Q: Are there any third-party solutions that integrate and extend Simple Start functionalities?
A: Simple Start has an open SDK available for integration with third party solutions that may extend QuickBooks Simple Start functionalities. If you are interested in learning about third party solutions available to you, please visit the QuickBooks Solutions MarketPlace.
Q: Can I import downloaded bank account transactions into Simple Start?
A: Simple Start has a bank register that you can use to keep track of all the checks you write and deposits you make to your bank and credit card accounts. Currently, Simple Start does not automatically import bank account transactions, so you must enter them yourself. If you want to use Online Banking to download your bank and credit card transactions and import them into QuickBooks you may find QuickBooks: Pro or Premier to be a more appropriate solution for you.
Q: Can I import previous versions of QuickBooks (Pro or Premier), Quicken, PeachTree, or Microsoft Excel data into Simple Start?
A: No. Simple Start is designed for first-time QuickBooks users and users of prior year versions of Simple Start only. You will start with a blank company file and input any previous data manually since Simple Start does not have Quicken, PeachTree, or Excel integration functionalities. Also, Simple Start cannot import data from prior versions of QuickBooks: Basic, Pro, or Premier Editions. If you want to import your data from Quicken, PeachTree, Excel, or any other program, you may want to consider QuickBooks: Pro, Premier or Online Edition.
Top of the page
A: QuickBooks Simple Start Free Edition only lets you track 20 customers while QuickBooks Pro lets you track thousands.
Q: My business doesn't need "accounting software." What's different about Simple Start?
A: Simple Start is designed for people who don't want or need full-fledged "accounting software," just an easy way to efficiently keep track of sales, expenses, and customers. If you've been using paper ledgers, spreadsheets to track your numbers, and word processing documents or paper forms for your invoices and sales receipts, Simple Start is perfect for you.
Q: My spreadsheet works fine. What else can Simple Start do for me?
A: Plenty! QuickBooks: Simple Start can help you avoid errors, save time, and keep you much more organized. Simple Start tracks all your transactions and invoices in one place, giving you easier access to more information than you could possibly get from a paper-based system or a spreadsheet.
You can automatically run reports that tell you where you stand on everything from profits and losses to sales and expenses. Simple Start saves you hours at tax time by giving you all the totals you need for your tax forms.
Q: Can Simple Start grow with my business?
A: Simple start makes it very easy for small business owners to start tracking their finances more efficiently, without having to learn complicated software or complex accounting concepts. As your business becomes more complex, you can easily upgrade to QuickBooks: Pro, Premier, or Online Edition. All the data you've entered in Simple Start will transfer to your new edition, so you can access it instantly.
Q: How can I tell which edition of QuickBooks I need?
A: If you're currently using a spreadsheet or paper ledger to keep track of your money, QuickBooks: Simple Start may be perfect for you. Users call it "amazingly easy." It lets you track money coming into and going out of your business just by writing checks, issuing invoices, and sales receipts.
For businesses that need additional tools, like inventory, time tracking, and more advanced reporting, QuickBooks: Pro is a more advanced, full-featured financial management system. It offers more flexible customization options for your forms, more flexible pricing options, and report customization. It can share information with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word. And it can accommodate 5 simultaneous users over a network.
QuickBooks: Premier offers the most comprehensive set of QuickBooks tools, including tools for business planning and forecasting, and advanced inventory management. QuickBooks: Premier is also available in customized industry specific editions designed to meet the needs of contractors, accountants, nonprofit organizations, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and professional services providers
Finally, QuickBooks: Online Edition is a complete accounting package that gives you access to your financial data anytime anywhere, via the Web. You can also use it to allow multiple users access to the same data simultaneously from wherever they happen to be located.
Note: Simple Start is for NEW QuickBooks users. Simple Start cannot import data from prior versions of QuickBooks Pro or Premier.
Q: Does Simple Start handle inventory?
A: With Simple Start you can keep a list of all items you sell but it does not have inventory functionalities.
If you need to keep track of your inventory you may find QuickBooks: Pro or Premier to be a more appropriate solution for you.
Q: What if I decide I like my old method better?
A: Try QuickBooks for up to 60 days at no risk. If you're not 100% satisfied for any reason, please call customer service within 60 days of purchase at 1-800-446-8848 to request a refund. To process your request, the agent will need the product license number located on the CD.
Q: How long does it take to get started with Simple Start?
A: Get started quickly with a simple setup interview. Answer three easy questions to customize Simple Start for your business. Then you're ready to work.
Q: Can Quicken do the same thing as Simple Start?
A: Quicken is specifically designed to handle personal finances while Simple Start handles small business finances. Each product is tailored with features, reports, and workflows to meet the needs of its specific audience.
Q: Will QuickBooks 2010 run on Microsoft Windows Vista?
A: Yes, QuickBooks will run on the Windows Vista and Windows XP operating systems. For information on using previous versions of QuickBooks on Windows Vista, please see: www.quickbooks.com/support/vista.
Q: How can I get help with Simple Start?
A: Simple Start is so easy to use, you may never need help. But just in case you do need assistance, there's plenty of help available in the product and from our top-notch technical support staff. Interactive two-minute tutorials right in the software give you an overview and show you how to perform everyday jobs. You can get additional help with any task by clicking on the "Help" menu. You'll also find answers to frequently asked questions at www.quickbooks.com/support.
Q: Is there specific QuickBooks training available?
A: Yes. There is a wide variety of QuickBooks-specific training available to help new users get started, learn, and confidently use QuickBooks. Visit www.quickbooks.com/training to learn about the QuickBooks training that is right for your business.
Q: What is a ProAdvisor? Can they help me set up Simple Start?
A: Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors are independent CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, computer consultants, and trainers who work with small businesses. They are considered QuickBooks experts because they have successfully completed comprehensive and rigorous QuickBooks training developed by Intuit. ProAdvisors help businesses like yours get started, and can customize QuickBooks for your unique needs to help you get the most out of the software.
Q: Where can I find guidance and tips from other QuickBooks users?
A: Visit the QuickBooks User Community to connect with other QuickBooks users and experts, ask questions, and share advice. Search or browse through a variety of discussion topics or post your own question.
Q: How do I find my computer system configurations?
A: To find your computer system configurations:
Processor and RAM:
- Click on the Start button (located on the bottom left-hand corner of your Desktop).
- Select Settings >> Control Panel.
- Click on System.
- The Processor and RAM are listed on the bottom right of this screen.
Q: Can I set up payroll on Simple Start?
A: Yes, Simple Start can track payroll (additional fees apply). But if you want to populate and print 1096 and 1099 forms for contractors, you'll want to use QuickBooks Pro instead.
Q: What other business products and services work with Simple Start?
A: The QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace offers software applications that integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks. Eliminate data reentry and save time, so you can focus on more important things. Developed by industry experts, these software applications help solve the business needs for those in construction, retail, manufacturing, legal, non-profit, and other industries.
View the products and services available at our online QuickBooks Solutions Marketplace. Some additional products and services include:
- Checks, Forms, and Supplies
- Merchant Service (Credit Card Processing)
- Employee and Human Resource Services and Tools
A: Yes. You can accept all major credit cards and debit cards right in QuickBooks if you have an Intuit QuickBooks Merchant Service account, the only payment processing solution that allows you to process payments directly into QuickBooks.2 No new hardware, software, or phone lines are required. Eliminate the need for double data entry; just process the credit card and debit card transactions directly in QuickBooks and the data is automatically recorded in your QuickBooks software.
QuickBooks now also helps you keep more accurate records by telling you which customer payments have been deposited to your bank and by allowing you to download your QuickBooks Merchant Service fees directly into QuickBooks. QuickBooks Merchant Service is sold separately. No teaser rates, no hidden fees, no cancellation fees, and no long-term contracts.
Q: Are there any third-party solutions that integrate and extend Simple Start functionalities?
A: Simple Start has an open SDK available for integration with third party solutions that may extend QuickBooks Simple Start functionalities. If you are interested in learning about third party solutions available to you, please visit the QuickBooks Solutions MarketPlace.
Q: Can I import downloaded bank account transactions into Simple Start?
A: Simple Start has a bank register that you can use to keep track of all the checks you write and deposits you make to your bank and credit card accounts. Currently, Simple Start does not automatically import bank account transactions, so you must enter them yourself. If you want to use Online Banking to download your bank and credit card transactions and import them into QuickBooks you may find QuickBooks: Pro or Premier to be a more appropriate solution for you.
Q: Can I import previous versions of QuickBooks (Pro or Premier), Quicken, PeachTree, or Microsoft Excel data into Simple Start?
A: No. Simple Start is designed for first-time QuickBooks users and users of prior year versions of Simple Start only. You will start with a blank company file and input any previous data manually since Simple Start does not have Quicken, PeachTree, or Excel integration functionalities. Also, Simple Start cannot import data from prior versions of QuickBooks: Basic, Pro, or Premier Editions. If you want to import your data from Quicken, PeachTree, Excel, or any other program, you may want to consider QuickBooks: Pro, Premier or Online Edition.
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1 Requires QuickBooks Simple Start financial software 2006 (for the PC) or higher (sold separately) and a merchant account through QuickBooks Merchant Service. Application approval and Internet access required. Transaction fees apply. Additional fees apply to accepting American Express, and Diners Club cards. Rates are determined by the financial institution and are subject to change without notice. Transactions are subject to Association guidelines. Terms, conditions, features, pricing, service and support options are subject to change without notice.
2 Additional fees, terms, and conditions apply.
2 Additional fees, terms, and conditions apply.
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Important disclaimers, disclosures and Notes
1 QuickBooks Reinstall CD-ROM: As part of your QuickBooks purchase & download, we will mail you a reinstall CD-ROM. If your computer crashes or you buy a new computer, you're covered - you can use the CD-ROM to install your QuickBooks software again.
