1.2. About this Book
<<< Prev | Chapter 1. Overview of GnuCash | Next >>>

## 1.2. About this Book

The goal of this manual is to save you time and to get you started in GnuCash as quickly as possible. Each chapter follows a simple format:

1. “Concepts” discussion

2. “How-To” specific procedures

3. “Putting It All Together” examples

Beginning users will find the “Concepts” sections helpful, since they provide a reference and ideas for the best ways to track your finances. Experienced users can flip to the “How-To” sections to quickly scan procedures. These sections provide quick, to-the-point steps for accomplishing specific tasks. The “Putting It All Together” sections present real-world examples in the form of a tutorial, beginning with creation of a file in Chapter 2. Each successive chapter will build on the previous chapter's tutorial.

This manual is organized into 3 main parts:

1. Getting Started

2. Managing Your Records

3. Advanced Topics

The first part, Getting Started, contains 4 chapters that give you the basic information needed to use GnuCash:

- Installing and running GnuCash (Chapter 1)

- Creating and working with files (Chapter 2)

- Creating and using accounts (Chapter 3)

- Entering transactions (Chapter 4)

Use this part as a quick-start guide; it will cover everything you need to get up and running in GnuCash.

The second part, Managing your Records, addresses common applications and features of GnuCash in greater detail. You will see more specific cases, based on frequently asked questions about applying GnuCash to everyday situations. Here are the applications and features covered in this part:

Applications

- Keeping track of checkbook and cash (Chapter 5)

- Managing credit cards (Chapter 6)

- Tracking investments (Chapter 7)

- Monitoring assets and loans (Chapter 8)

- Handling multiple currencies (Chapter 9)

Features

- Reports and graphs (Chapter 10)

- Online features (Chapter 11)

The last part, Advanced Topics, discusses more advanced uses for GnuCash. Some of these uses are not yet supported by GnuCash, but these chapters discuss ways to work around features still under development.

- Planning for taxes, mortgages, and other needs (Chapter 12)

- Using GnuCash to manage a business (Chapter 13)

This manual also has an appendix, which contains more information you might want to know:

- Guide for former QuickenŽ, MS Money or other QIF users

- Troubleshooting guide

Last but not least, a glossary and index help you quickly locate the topics you need.

<<< Prev | Home | Next >>>
1.1. Introduction to GnuCash | Up | 1.3. Top Ten Reasons to Use GnuCash