3.1. Running

can be run from your desktop main menu by selecting the associated menu entry.

Alternatively it can be run from a shell (command line) with the command gnucash.

During the loading of the main window you will see the Splash Screen where some information about the program itself and the loading process are displayed.

3.1.1. Welcome to dialog

Next you will be presented with the Welcome to ! dialog with three choices:

  • Create a new set of accounts: Runs the New Account Hierarchy Setup assistant (see Section 3.2, “New Account Hierarchy Setup”). Select this option if you want to be assisted in creating a set of accounts.

  • Import my QIF files: Runs the Import QIF Files assistant (see Section 3.3, “Import QIF Files”). Select this option if you already have Quicken files (.qif files) from another financial application and wish to import them into .

  • Open the new user tutorial: Opens the Tutorial and Concepts Guide. Select this option if you are completely new to and accounting concepts.

Note

It is possible to run these items after you have made a choice here, but the Welcome to ! screen will not reappear. To try one of the other choices later, read Section 3.2, “New Account Hierarchy Setup”, Section 3.3, “Import QIF Files” and Section 2.1.1, “ Tutorial and Concepts Guide” to see how to start them from the menu.

This screen is intended for you to use to get up and running quickly. The Cancel button is used to exit the screen. It will then prompt you with Display Welcome Dialog Again?. If you do not want to see the Welcome to ! menu again click the No button. Click the Yes button or press the keyboard Enter key for the default which is to have the Welcome to ! screen run again.

Note

Selecting either of these options will leave you with a minimum main window. Operations in this window are described in Chapter 4, Windows & Menus Options Overview.