Free software to maintain finances.

I chose to test an open source software(OSS) from sourceforge.net called Virtual Cache. It is a java based program offered for free on sourceforge to be downloaded. What you get from the download is an .exe file that installs the program Virtual Cache onto your system and runs a small GUI in order to interact with the user. The main purpose of Virtual Cache is to maintain financial records and transactions of funds. The user enters the date, amount of money, and an explanation. All this data is stored in a database that is password protected.
This is the download page(http://sourceforge.net/projects/virtualcache/)
This is the main site(http://virtualcache.sourceforge.net/)

The three Prime Directives for Open Source Software Engineering

1. The system successfully accomplishes a useful task.

This program keeps a track of all monetary transactions that you as the user input, does the arithmetic and shows you the current balance. The main strength in this software is in it's simplicity. There are not that many factors to calculate. I like that you are able to just input a few bits of data to maintain a personal and somewhat secure balance of your assets. The password protection is what makes it actually worthwhile, compared to a regular excel sheet. Virtual Cache is pretty useful.

2. An external user can successfully install and use the system.

The installation is relatively easy. The .exe file walks you through the regular process and then you just start up the program. The GUI has flaws however. I found it very confusing that when I started it up for the first time or the second time, it did not have a startup sequence. It instead relied on the user to create a new database and password, which was not too rigorous, but still required more studying of the program. It would be nice to have a small introductory questionnaire that sets you up with a database right after you start-up the program for the first time. After some determination the program works and runs smoothly enough to compute your balance.

3. An external developer can successfully understand and enhance the system.

The one big fault with this program is that the source codes are not offered on the summary page of the side. In order to download the source code, you have to download it from another server. This is a major weakness in their execution. I find it really aggravating to have to go through so much just to look at their code. There is no documentation either. This makes the third criteria for the prime directives unmet.

So..
I find this piece of software very useful, but it is also very limited. It's potential to grow is limited. With such a simplistic structure architecture it remains easy to use, but if it becomes too complicated I think it'll be a bother to just turn on. The trouble in accessing the source codes will also be a hindrance. I would not pay for this software.