The differences between manual accounting and computerised accounting are given below:

The differences between manual accounting and cornputerised accounting are given below:

Components of computerised accounting system can be classified into six categories viz.
(i) Hardware:
(a) The Physical components of a computer constitute its hardware.
(b) Hardware consists of input devices and output devices that make a complete computer system.
(ii) Software: A set of programs that form an interface between the hardware and the user of a computer system are referred to as software.
(iii) People: The most important element of a computer system is its users. They are also called liveware of the Computer system.
(iv) Procedure: Procedure is a step by step series of instructions to perform a specific function and achieve desired output.
(v) Data:
(a) The facts "and figures" that are fed into a computer for further processing are called data.
(b) Processed and useful data are called information which is used for decision making.
(vi) Connectivity:
(a) When two or more computers are connected to each other, they can, share information and resources such as sharing of files, sharing of printer, sharing of facilities like the Internet etc.
(b) This sharing is possible using wires, cables, satellite, infra-red, blue tooth, microwave, transmission, etc.

Depending upon the suitability of business requirements there are three types of softwares namely,
(i) Ready-made software
(ii) Customised software and
(iii) Tailor-made software.
(i) Readymade software:
(a) These packages are standardised or readymade packages which can be used by the business enterprises immediately on procurement.
(b) These packages are used by, small and conventional business enterprises. Cost of installation and maintenance is very low.
(c) Few Examples: of such type of software are TALLY, TATAEx, SAGE, MS-EXCEL.
(ii) Customised software:
(a) Customised packages can be modified according to the need of the enterprise.
(b) Few Examples: software can record attendance of the employees and on the requirement of the customer it can also count the absence of employees in a month etc.
(c) these packages are used by medium or large business enterprises. Cost of installation, maintenance and training is relatively higher than that of ready-to-use packages.
(iii) Tailormade Software:
(a) Large enterprises have their own way of functioning and for effective management information system, varied and specific information is frequently required by many users which may not
be applicable in case of small or medium scale enterprises.
(b) The cost of these packages is very high and specific training for using these packages is also required.

The CAS possesses the following features:
(i) Simple and integrated:
Computerised Accounting System is designed to automate and integrate all the business operations, such as sales, finance, purchase, inventory and manufacturing.
(ii) Speed:
It can perform functions at much higher speed than doing the same manually.
(iii) Accuracy:
(a) Computers perform functions with high degree of accuracy.
(b) If hardware, software and input by people are proper, the computerised accounting system can assure of accurate outcome.
(iv) Reliability: Computers are used to process large volumes of data and hence, data provided by it are reliable.
(v) Versatility: Computer and accounting software have ability to perform diverse tasks.
(vi) Transparency: With computerised accounting, the organisation will have greater transparency for day-to-day business operations and access to the vital information.
(vii) Scalability: CAS enables processing of any volume of data in tune with the change in the size of the business.