Quicken Reviewer's Comments

Don’t settle for generic check graphics from the bank and never wait again for your checks to arrive in the mail. To customize and print your checks from home, use the “TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award,” Quicken 2006 Basic.

If you’re in the market for basic check writing software plus comprehensive bookkeeping features at a great price, this program is perfect for you. Quicken Basic is a user–friendly program for only $29.95.

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Feature Set:  

Quicken Basic has an exceptional graphical user interface (GUI), an easy to use layout and is password protected. Writing and printing checks are included as features of the program. You can design checks with a standard, wallet and voucher template along with changing font styles and adding a personalized logo. Quicken Basic doesn’t include a MICR font to print the MICR line, but you can purchase check stock with pre–printed MICR lines from Intuit’s website. For more information see What is MICR?

You can write checks from multiple bank accounts, include data from other software programs, record your checks in a checkbook register, preview your checks before they’re printed and order check supplies through a link to Inuit’s website.

Some of the bookkeeping features include setting up recurring payments such as rent, utilities, insurance, etc., transferring funds between bank accounts, printing a check history, searching for specific checks, setting up payee accounts, and printing deposit slips, expense, income and tax reports.

Ease of Use:  

Quicken Basic is easy to use; it has a full menu toolbar, menu icons and a navigating window to switch between the three main sections of the program. A wizard will walk you through writing checks and some of the more complicated bookkeeping features. To write checks, simply click on the check fields from a full color check graphic and enter text.

A detailed help menu lists help topics based on where you are in the program. For example, if you choose to write checks, the listed topics may include “adding a logo,” “deleting a check”, “printing a check”, etc.

Ease of Installation/Setup:  

You can order Quicken Basic through the mail for a manual installation or download it from Inuit’s website. Check stock and an inkjet or laser printer are required to print checks.

Quicken Basic works on Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP and Vista. There is also a separate version for Macs.

Help/Support:  

Quicken Basic includes a detailed help menu and user guide within the program and Intuit’s website contains useful FAQs. You can contact Intuit through email or telephone. We emailed customer support with several questions and they responded within 24 hours.

Summary:  

Quicken Basic is a home bookkeeping program which includes writing checks as a feature. To design checks, you can use three check templates, customize fonts and add a personalized logo. A navigation window, icons and a thorough help menu make it easy to use.