Accounting Question

[Carlos O.]

Hello all,

I currently keep track of my finances in GNUCash, which is a free and open source alternative to QuickBooks, Quicken, etc. I have two books open, one for my personal finances and another for my self-proprietorship. I want to have my business expenses separated from my personal ones. Right now I have a checking account that I'm designating for all my business expenses. All the accounts in my business book are marked as zero (it's a new book). I'm hoping a CPA or someone with experience can chime in here.

1. How do I start off my books?

2. If I credit the checking account amount with the amount currently in there, where do I debit from?