1. It's hard to learn. Any new software program involves a learning curve. But programs such as Microsoft Small Business Accounting aren't designed for tech jocks — rather, their emphasis is on easy setup and usable tools with which to learn the program quickly. Moreover, don't feel obligated to learn everything all at once. "It's not all or nothing," says Glenn Fromer, a CPA and director of development for Treasury Software in Weston, Fla. "These are very easy to use and there's no law that says you have to install everything at once. Start with something with which you're already comfortable, like check writing."

2. How do I know which one to choose? Yet another worry is the feeling of being alone when it comes to sorting through the array of available accounting software programs. Choosing one that's right for you shouldn't be an act of monastic solitude. Rather, start the process by asking your accountant for a recommendation. "He or she should certainly know an accounting program that would fit your needs," says Mike Crowe, a partner in Plante and Moran's technology consulting and relations group in Chicago. "They know your business and know what will work for you. And, if they don't, they can certainly recommend someone who will."

3. I have to learn this all on my own. The fear can be, precisely, that you will be left in a room, alone, with a behemoth operator's manual and no one else. Again, nothing could be further from the truth. If you know how to use Microsoft Office, for example, then Microsoft Small Business Accounting (SBA) will be a snap because of its familiar Office interface. SBA is geared to businesses with up to 25 employees, and it is designed for ease of use.

4. What if I make a mistake? It's always possible to enter an incorrect amount or make some other mistake in using accounting software, particularly in the first few months when you're trying to get a handle on things. But it's just as easy to catch. For instance, Microsoft Small Business Accounting has an "audit trail" feature designed to identify irregularities. Moreover, give some thought to scheduling time with your accountant to review how you've used the program and to check over all figures and other specifics. "Have your tax professional set up the chart of accounts for your business. Then, schedule an hour per month, for at least the first three or four months, to teach you, review and correct your entries," says Eva Rosenberg of TaxMama.com. "Today's software is very forgiving. Your tax professional can fix just about any mistake you make."

5. What happens to my accountant? Still another concern is that accounting software replaces real live accountants. No true. Although accounting software can perform functions such as check writing, payroll and other responsibilities, it's still imperative to keep an accountant on board to help analyze all the wealth of financial data that a solid program will produce. (And don't forget, you don't really know the tax codes and breaks as well as your accountant.) "An accountant's real role is to help you save money and make money," says Crowe. "You're still going to need somebody around to make sure that your business is on track."

6. I don't want to spend too much time using the program. Entrepreneurs and small business folks — justifiably so — want to use their time building and growing their businesses. The last thing they want is a big time drain working with accounting software. Fear not. For one thing, programs are built around time-efficient use. And, if need be, consider training an employee to use the program so that your time is free for other responsibilities.

7. I don't see the benefit. With its capacity to produce valuable reports tracking profits, costs and other essentials, accounting software can offer an array of benefits. By allowing the software to crunch the numbers and make projections, you will actually spend less time fiddling with the numbers. You'll also produce more accurate assessments of your business' financial health. And that's the real reason to buy accounting software. In may allow you to sleep better at night.