I do not recomend this software
I own a small business. There are a number of reasons why you may find yourself dissatisfied with this software.

1) The most important reason is that once you invest in ACT, it's dificult to break away. The data cannot be deconstructed, or exported to be utilized by another software program. So, as is the case with my business, once you go down the "ACT" highway, you're most likely not getting off. We started using ACT in 1992. At the time, it had many positive attributes, and there wasn't much competition. Now, there are many more efficient alternatives.

2) They offer a 30 day money back guarantee. That's good right? But, they will not honor the guarantee if you purchase the software from Amazon. No kidding.

3) Pathetic email interface.

4) Frequent upgrades. That sounds good too. But the "upgrades" are typically trivial. And, of course, a little way down the line, they stop supporting the older versions. So, they've got you. Believe me, I wouldn't mind if they made their software a little more efficient, but that hasn't been the case.

5) Slows the system down. There are unneccesary functions that eat system resources. You can call support and if you're lucky, you will get someone who can show you how to disengage those functions. With my previous upgrade, I kept calling back until I happened upon someone who knew.

There's more I could add, but I hope you get the point.

To Upgrade, or Not To Upgrade (NOT!)
I am currently using ACT 2005, V7. Using is a generous word given all the diffculties documented in this space, which I have experienced. Main source of problems were database migration years ago (finally fixed it) but it is a HUGE memory hog that freezes my computer which has plenty of RAM. Wonder of wonders, I was informed I could participate in a class action suit against Sage becasue of this bootleg software they were selling. I just got my check, $45. Not a lot, but I thought surely Sage has fixed these problems 3 years and 3 versions later, I should spend the $45 to upgrade. Read on, and obviously they have not. If Sage wants to send me a free copy I'll invest the time to try it and report back fairly. I'll even pay for the upgrade if it works as they advertise. But as of right now I am going to buy a case of beer with my $45 and call it a day.

Yes, I agree...Act is back!
I owned the older 6.0 version and loved it. I purchased the 8.0 version and HATED it because of the many flaws. I purchased the 10.0 act a month ago and I really am impressed. I was so worried about the transition but it really wasn't a problem at all. It runs smoothly and does a lot more than my old 6.0 version. I am really happy with the product. Make sure your PC has at least 2Gs of RAM and at least 3Gs of processing speed. It'll run great. Hopefully you won't have to talk to Tech support in India. It was a real waste of my time. I found the answer to my problem on my own.

Not as bad as I feared - in fact, pretty good
I have been a long time act user, going from dos 2.0 to act 6.0 (and now to act 10). I got a new computer, and needed to upgrade as it came with office 2007. I had read the terrible reviews and was terrified of upgrading. I did the upgrade by following all instructions and knowledge base articles to the letter. I was waiting for the computer to explode or the devil to show up in my office, but everythign went exactly as it should.

The program has worked exactly as it should. There are a few things I dont like, but that is probably more due to me being used to doing things one way for the last 5 years.

For the record, this is a one person install of a private database with no network requirements (ie pulling a shared database off of a server.) In addition, the new computer is very high end (4 gigs ram, 2.5 dual core, etc.)

Hope this helps.

ACTRE 10. Prem
I upgraded from ACT 6. Yes there were problems to overcome and some are ongoing. But not all can be blamed on Sage or ACT. Don't forget MS does not like to play well with others, not to mention my Sony Viao is not recommended by me either as it is the worse computer in our office and I think the worst one I have ever used. I do recommend purchasing the 1 yr warranty highly. The upgrades from ACT 6 are worth it all, and I liked 6 a lot.