In a recent review of small business accounting software, PeachTree Accounting was selected as the best overall program. I spent about an hour testing the program. While it does not have a lot of performance support features, I found it to be a very well organized program that made it relatively easy to understand the features of the program. 

The program features two methods for working with its features and components. One method is its well organized menu structure that arranges features type. For example, one uses the reports menu to select, build and print all the reports that are available within the system. The Task menu provides access to all the data entry screens. (Figure 1)

Figure 1

The other method for accessing the accounting features is illustrated in Figure 2. These robust menus are organized by functional area such as Purchasing, Payroll, Sales, Inventory, etc.  Each folder contains three types of features. The  Maintain icons are used to enter basic data like the names and addresses of suppliers, customers and employees. The Task sections has a process diagram showing the steps for entering and processing an accounting transaction. And finally, the Reports sections shows the types of printed reports available for the functional area. 

Figure 2

PeachTree also features a simple setup checklist (Figure 2)

 

I only found one wizard in Peachtree and it doesn't contain a lot of user assistance or performance support  feature. It's online help system is very extensive and almost overwhelming. It's a robust accounting systems that requires an understanding of the principles of accounting.  But it does illustrate how good organization can simplify a software interface and make a program seem less complex that it really is.