Fortunately, the solution is at hand: Quicken 2001: The Missing Manual. Kathy Ivens and Tom Barich, bestselling veterans of several earlier-version Quicken guides, team up with editor David Pogue to supply the friendly, authoritative book that should have been in the box. Their concise writing and dry wit conspire to demystify basic accounting principles in a way that is logical--and at times actually fascinating.

The book opens with a guided tour of Quicken's transaction-recording, check-writing, and bank-statement reconciling features. Part 2 moves beyond the basics, guiding readers through investment tracking, credit-card accounts, reports and graphs, and Quicken's calendar functions. Part 3, focusing on Quicken 2001's dramatically enhanced Internet hooks, includes a step-by-step guide to paying bills electronically.

In Part 4, the authors combine Quicken instruction with some essential accounting, in order to capitalize on the program's ability to track mortgages, loans, budgets, taxes, and debt-reduction programs. Finally, there's an essential course in managing, backing up, and password-protectingQuicken's files.

Quicken 2001: The Missing Manual is a one-stop reference for PC owners who want to get a grip on their financial lives--and financial futures. Like the other books in the Missing Manual line, this one features superb writing, offers special features for both absolute novices and power users, and covers its topic completely.