One of the major factors I’ve come across that stops small businesses from switching over to a free Linux based operating system is that most of the mainstream small business accounting packages like MYOB and Intuit Quickbooks are not natively compatible with with Linux (i.e. the won’t run on Linux easily).
There is, however, a number of open source accounting packages for the Linux platform.
Here is a list of the major ones I have come across. I’ll update this list from time-to-time.
- First up is GnuCash. Find out more from Open Source Accounting Software | GnuCash
- Next is a package called Quasar. It’s available from Linux Canada
… yes, you can set up any of these applications up to handle GST
For the last few years both Quickbooks and MYOB have been enforcing hardware dependant product activation and re-activation. They also maintain the right to cease supporting the re-activation of software versions that are not current. This could mean that in 2007 when you try to reinstall your Quickbooks 2004 software onto the new office computer you won’t be able to activate it—forcing you to dish out another lot of cash for an upgrade. Not nice.
Many people are pissed off about this situation, yet we should not forget that we do have a choice. Programs like the free accounting packages listed here are one way to side-step these draconian measures.
Please post comments to this message if you try out any of these applications and let me know what your views are.
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