On running this program, the display is converted into a 42 by 24 character on the graphics screen by a Machine Code rouiine, which is held on the disk and called upon running the main program. The display created is very good, and even includes the £ sign.

Also incorporated is an auto-repeat for the keyboard.

If anything, this is the most annoying part of the program because they have made the delay before a repeat is registered much too short. I have not been able to time the delay, but it seems to be less than a second.

With Moneybox it is possible to set each of the files (up to 99 separate ones) for a totally different purpose and account structure. Each file is divided into 12 periods, and the day upon which each period starts can be defined by the user. Within each file there can be up to 80 accounts. Fifty of these are already defined, but can be changed very easily, whilst 30 are left blank for any extra headings which may be required. The first 20 are identified as sources of funds. The next 20 are sources of income.

Finally, account numbers 41 to 80 are for expenditure.

Moneybox can then manipulate the data on these files to keep your bookkeeping up to date, including VAT calculations if required. All receipts, payments, etc, are easily recorded and from these you can print out reports on to the screen or a printer, prepare budgets and make forecasts of just how much of an overdraft you will have in a year's time!

It is designed to be used also by a small business as a simple cashbook accounting system. A comprehensive book of instructions comes with the disk, and needs to be read carefully before attempting to use the program, if anything, the only criticism I have of the program itself is that it takes quite an effort to learn how to use it.

Personally, I prefer the spreadsheet approach to this type of task. In that it is easier to follow, especially in asking "what-if" types of questions etc. Having said that, this still is quite a good package and would be very useful for anyone wishing to do such work.