[kwlug-disc] gnucash presentation?

[unsolicited]

> I was going to say... dedicated programs like Quicken or GnuCash are
 > really just very specialized databases.

Poppycock.

Much, much, more than that.

They are human comprehensible interfaces to that database, and make the 
data in that database useful.

And explain / make 'logical' / incorporate 'business' and other 'rules' 
upon the data.

At this level of program, there isn't all that much heavy lifting, vis a 
vis 'real' accounting programs. But there is huge 'everyman' 
comprehensibility.

At any level, it is that GUI that provides those analytical tools 
(accountants not usually programming for a living, and vice versa), 
frequently leading to analyses the 'layman' might not consider.

OTOH - what are the programs but 'spreadsheets', but with a commonly 
agreed upon schema as being appropriate. Instead of each individual 
reinventing the wheel.

The programs existed long before they became really popular. It was the 
increasing ease of use and comprehensibility of the user interface that 
made them so.

Add taxes (or similar tax products for that matter), electronic banking, 
and electronic investment access, and these programs have become far 
more than mere databases. Or spreadsheets.

Some day I'll even have the discipline to make use of them!


On 14-01-30 04:43 PM, CrankyOldBugger wrote:
> I was going to say... dedicated programs like Quicken or GnuCash are
> really just very specialized databases.  A spreadsheet is limited in
> how it can present the data to you, whereas a good database can be
> manipulated until the cows come home. Spreadsheets are fine if you
> have limited analytical needs, but to really dig down and figure out
> where the money's going, you need a database to do the heavy lifting
> for you.