“It is a Good Catch if you get it for Free”

Category: Review on Microsoft Works 9

Posted by: 1-Aug

Strengths: Inexpensive, offers all main applications

Weaknesses: Nothing advanced - very basic; many functions have been stripped off.

Microsoft Works 9.0 is targeted at first-time users for casual needs and is basically a stripped down version of MS Office. Microsoft Works mostly comes as an inclusion in most of the newly bought PCs. The Microsoft Works 9 package consists of a CD that contains the applications like Word, Spreadsheet, PowerPoint and Database, along with a calendar and dictionary.

The interface is designed in such a way that the Microsoft Works 9.0 is easier to get used to than the typical MS Office. Every application starts with the Works Task Launcher and one can either load a single application or use it to plan out a series of tasks. First-time users can find what they want quickly and easily.

The Works 9.0 comes with a lot of disadvantages. Although features like label making and mail merge are still available, many functions of MS Word have been stripped down. Unlike MS Word, the user is limited to the types of fonts and style of the page layout. Even the spreadsheet has been made devoid of many functions. The user cannot create multiple worksheets, and there is also limited control of formulas. Database is effective only for simple requiremnets, and the user cannot export it to work with other suites.

If you already have the earlier version of Works, you better use that. Even otherwise, you don’t have to worry about buying a new one, because softwares like these come for free with new systems.