Simple Checkbook v1.0
Simple Checkbook is just that... a simple checkbook. In function it is exactly like your little paper checkbook register - except you don't have to do the math. It's laid out like a regular checkbook and you fill it in like a regular checkbook. It's just a simple spreadsheet and I've included an MS Excel version, an MS Works version and a Sun Star Office version.
What it is not: It doesn't reconcile with the click of a button. It won't go online and retrieve bank statements. It won't do automatic payments. It won't remind you to pay the electric bill. It won't chart or graph. It won't print checks. It won't merge with anything. It won't make coffee and it won't take out the trash. There are enough wünderprograms out there for all that. This is just a simple checkbook. There's beauty in simplicity right?
The balance column is locked (so you won't accidentally mess up the formulas). The date column is such that all you need to enter is the month & date (3/18). As soon as you tab to the next cell, the year will be filled in automatically. With the Excel version you can right click and choose "Pick from list...". This will display a listing of all vaues entered in that column. This will save you a little typing at least in the transaction column.
Requirements: This is not a standalone program. You'll need Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Works or Sun's Star Office to use it.
Suggestions for use: Create a copy of checkbook.xls (or checkbook.wks or checkbook.sdc depending on which one you wish to use.) Rename it to MyCheckbook01.xls (or whatever). Add entries to it. When it's full (it holds about 250 entries), copy checkbook.xls again, only this time rename it to MyCheckbook02.xls. This way your checkbooks will remain in chronological order. You can print out hard copies easy enough. (Although I haven't taken pains to make sure they print nicely... cross your fingers and/or fiddle with it.)
If you're running at 640x480 screen resolution you may have to scroll sideways to see the whole thing. You may want to adjust your zoom down to 75% or so. Don't just tolerate the screen jerking back and forth... it will get really annoying. Do yourself a favor and adjust the zoom so that the entire width of the register is visible without scrolling.
Keep in mind that there is no automatic backing up of your data. If you wish to back up your data to a floppy, zip or whatever (not a bad idea), you'll have to do that on your own. Also, this thing is not idiot-proof. If you attempt to erase all your entries or delete your files there is no friendly little cartoon man gonna pop up and ask if you're sure. That said, it's pretty self explanatory and easy to use. I don't forsee you having any problems. I've been using it myself for a couple months now to manage three accounts.
Download: checkbook.zip
Cost: Nothing. It's free. Have a ball. Drop me a line if you use it and like it.
Distribution: It may go here, there and everywhere without restriction. Wanna put it on a CD? Go ahead. Offer it on your freeware/shareware site? Knock yourself out.
Homepage: http://junior.apk.net/~jbarta/checkbook/
Author's email: jbarta@apk.net
While I can find my way around a spreadsheet like a seasoned amateur, I'm hardly an expert. If you would like to improve upon what I've done, you are welcome to.