Changes

This program uses several screencolors to differentiate between menusmd and input screens. I wish it would havenad had a few more screen prompts toremind the user of the type of informationhe is entering. After becomingthoroughly familiar with the programthe user would probably not need it,but the neophyte has to guess on occasionwhether to enter dollar amountsor category numbers. Because theprogram comes unprotected, this canbe corrected by the user. Although theprogram is designed to operate out ofone disk drive, the user can modify itto operate with two drives. The program is well-organized despiteits complexity. Because themenus feature many options, the firsttimefirst-time user may well be nonplussed byit. However, after an hour or so, onecan move quickly from one function tothe next. The manual is written in atutorial style, and I recommend thatthe user read it thoroughly as it takeshim step-by-step through the program.It also has some excellentadvice about budgeting in generalwhich could benefit anyone. 1he programitself seems to be foolproof andbug-proof. It's possible to overwrite afile by accident but only if you ignorethe warnings about saving data beforemoving on to another programsegment. ===Ease of Use: === This is not a simpleprogram to use. You must come togrips with a number of issues bAforebefore seriously getting down to the businessof budgeting. You must decide how toorganize budget categories so thatthey make sense to you, and then youmust be scrupulous in entering allyour income and expenses (at leastthose having to do with your checkingaccount) so that an accurate picture ofyour financial condition can emerge. In short, you must be thoughtful inusing this program. ===Documentation: === Home Budgetcomes with a lengthy manual printedon a dot matrix printer on 8½- x 11-inchpaper. It is single-spaced. There isneither an index nor a table of contents.However, it is not organized tobe a reference document. It isdesigned as a tutorial to take the newuser through the program, frombeginning to end. While I would faultthe format, it is apparent from readingit that the writer has a genuine interestin conveying his thoughts about how touse Home Budget to the reader. It doesthe job, too. ===Value: === This program is for thosewho are serious about developing ahome budget and record of expenses.It generates an array of printouts thatthe conscientious user can study to hisheart's content in an effort to gain controlover his finances.