Introducing Sage Instant Accounts

In This Chapter

* Introducing the Sage software range

* Considering SageCover

* Installing the software

* Getting help from the wizard

* Navigating around Sage

In this chapter, I introduce you to Sage Instant Accounts. I show you how easily you can install the software and give you a guided tour, so that you can get up and running quickly – essential for busy people!

Sage works on the principle that the less time you spend doing your accounts, the more time you can spend on your business, so makes each process as simple as possible.

I also discuss SageCover, an optional technical support package, which is an addition worth considering. If you experience software problems, SageCover can help. For small businesses, this support is like having an IT department at the end of a phone.

Looking at Two Sage Instant Options

Sage offers two versions of Instant Accounts:

[check] Sage Instant Accounts: The entry-level program. Sage Instant Accounts provides all the features you require to successfully manage your accounts. You can professionally handle your customers and suppliers, manage your bank reconciliations and VAT returns and provide simple reports, including monthly and year-end requirements. This basic version is suitable for small businesses with a simple structure.

[check] Sage Instant Accounts Plus: Contains all the features of the entry model, but in addition includes a simple stock system and also the ability to have up to two users.

I recommend that you install Sage Instant on a Windows operating system. Windows 8 or 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008, Small Business Server 2011 or Server 2003 are all recommended by Sage.

Installing the Software

In this section, I take you step by step through the installation process, showing you the screens as they appear on your computer and ensuring that you load up the software correctly. I also let you know about any problems that may crop up while loading, so that you can deal with them effectively.

Anyway, onwards and upwards!

Getting what you need before you get started

Your Sage software package contains a CD, a `Getting Started with Sage Instant Accounts' guide and, more importantly, a serial number and activation key. Without these last two pieces of information, you can't successfully load the software. But don't worry, if you purchased a genuine copy of Sage software, you have the necessary activation information.

You also need a few details about your company:

[check] When your company's financial year begins: If you're not sure of the date, consult your accountant.

[check] Whether and what type of VAT scheme you use: Again, your accountant can tell you whether you operate the VAT cash accounting scheme or the standard VAT scheme. If you've a VAT registration number, keep it handy.

Moving to the installation itself

The following steps assume that you're loading Sage for the first time for a single company and single user. For those of you loading multiple-user programs, check the instructions provided with your software.

1. Insert your CD into the disk drive.

If your CD doesn't immediately start, you may need to click Run.

2. Follow the options on your screen to run the CD.

A Sage Instant Accounts opening screen appears. Click the Install button to continue as shown in Figure 1-1.

For Vista users, the User Account Control window appears, asking you for permission to continue installing Sage; click Continue to proceed.

The Sage system checker highlights any problems with loading your software, such as hardware speed and so on as shown in Figure 1-2. Click Install to continue.

3. The Accounts Installshield wizard starts up when you click Install and this is followed by the Licence agreement as shown in Figure 1-3.

Be warned, the licence seems to go on forever, if you choose to read it! (Have a quick look through the software licence agreement though, just to see what you're signing up for!) Click Yes to accept the licence.

4. Select the installation type and destination folder and follow the prompts.

You've a choice between a Standard install and a Custom install, as shown in Figure 1-4. The choice you make is important.

Standard install is recommended for most users; it copies the files to C:\Sage\Accounts.

Choose Custom install only if you want to control the destination of the programs being installed; for example, if you want to keep different versions of Sage separately on your computer.

Check with Sage (the company, not the program!) if you aren't sure whether to use the Custom install or not.

If you want to use Custom install and choose a different destination folder, follow these steps:

i. Click the Custom install option.

The destination folder at the bottom of the screen automatically defaults to C:\Sage\Accounts 2011.

ii. Click Browse. With the help of the Browse button you can change the destination folder, as shown in Figure 1-5. I have changed it to C:\Sage\Instant Accounts 2013. Click OK. The destination path has now changed to the new one that you've designated. Click Next to continue.

Select your Program folder – this window allows you to change the program folder to your preferred destination, as shown in Figure 1-6 you can now click Next to continue.

Sage now confirms the destination folders for the program as shown in Figure 1-7. Click Next to continue.

The system then whirrs into action and starts the installation process. It takes several minutes, so you probably have time to make a quick cup of tea!

5. Click Finish when Sage tells you that the installation is complete.

That's it! You've successfully installed your Sage software. This is the message you should see, shown in Figure 1-8. You should see a Sage Instant Accounts icon on your desktop – now you're ready to rock and roll!

REMEMBER

Be sure to remove the CD and keep it in a safe place!

Setting Up with the Active Set-Up Wizard

Of course, you're champing at the bit and want to get going with Sage, so double-click the new Sage icon on your desktop to get started. You may get an RSS feeds message (see Figure 1-9) and you can decide whether you want to receive these or not by clicking on the tick box. Click OK to continue.

The Activate Sage Software window opens as shown in Figure 1-10. You're asked to enter your activation key and serial number. You can find these on your delivery note or within your CD case. If you don't have this information, click the My Sage button and follow the online instructions.

When you've entered your activation key and serial number and clicked Continue, a confirmation message appears saying that your Sage Instant Accounts has now been registered. Click OK to continue, the Active Set-up wizard opens. The first screen, shown in Figure 1-11, gives you three options:

[check] Set up a new company: If you're new to Sage, choose this first option. You're then guided through the automatic steps of the Active Set-up wizard. The following numbered steps lead you through this process.

[check] Use an existing company stored...