How do I record advance payment?

What is the correct way to record advanced payment received from customers? Some of my customers send several months rent payment in one check. I have used the Credit Note function, but this makes my reports not accurate. I have seen the older version ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ywkKMul7NSs) of this task but it does not work like this in new version. Please help.