For managing personal finances on a FreeBSD desktop, some powerful and easy-to-use applications can be installed. Some are compatible with widespread file formats, such as the formats used by Quicken® and Excel.
This section covers these programs:
| Application Name | Resources Needed | Installation from Ports | Major Dependencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| GnuCash | light | heavy | GNOME |
| Gnumeric | light | heavy | GNOME |
| KMyMoney | light | heavy | KDE |
GnuCash is part of the GNOME effort to provide user-friendly, yet powerful, applications to end-users. GnuCash can be used to keep track of income and expenses, bank accounts, and stocks. It features an intuitive interface while remaining professional.
GnuCash provides a smart register, a hierarchical system of accounts, and many keyboard accelerators and auto-completion methods. It can split a single transaction into several more detailed pieces. GnuCash can import and merge Quicken QIF files. It also handles most international date and currency formats.
To install the GnuCash package:
# pkg_add -r gnucash
If the package is not available, use the Ports Collection:
# cd /usr/ports/finance/gnucash # make install clean
Gnumeric is a spreadsheet program developed by the GNOME community. It features convenient automatic “guessing” of user input according to the cell format with an autofill system for many sequences. It can import files in a number of popular formats, including Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, and Quattro Pro. It has a large number of built-in functions and allows all of the usual cell formats such as number, currency, date, time, and much more.
To install Gnumeric as a package:
# pkg_add -r gnumeric
If the package is not available, use the Ports Collection:
# cd /usr/ports/math/gnumeric # make install clean
KMyMoney is a personal finance created by the KDE community. KMyMoney intends to provide and incorporate all the important features found in commercial personal finance manager applications. It also highlights ease-of-use and proper double-entry accounting among its features. KMyMoney imports from standard Quicken Interchange Format (QIF) files, tracks investments, handles multiple currencies, and provides a wealth of reports.
To install KMyMoney as a package:
# pkg_add -r kmymoney-kde4
If the package is not available, use the Ports Collection:
# cd /usr/ports/finance/kmymoney-kde4 # make install clean