Microsoft Works Suite 2004

Rating:
Summary: What upgrade?
Review: I can't understand where people are getting the idea that this is an upgrade. I searched Microsoft's site and there is no mention of an upgrade version.

You can use an installation of Microsoft Works to get Microsoft Office at upgrade prices, but there appears to be no qualification to use Works itself.

The only caveat is that certain sellers in the "used and new" section are selling OEM copies at very low prices. The OEM copies do not provide tech support unless you bought a computer from the company named on the CD or DVD case. However, you can (as I have done) installed an OEM copy and used all the software including Microsoft Word without any problems.

Again, given in my review I believe this to be one of the bargains of software, I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be on your computer. I am about to sell my computer and I am buying a new copy for my new computer. I'm sure the person who buys my old computer will think it a bargain that so much software is legally included.

Rating:
Summary: I thought newer things where suppose to be better
Review: i have microsoft works suite 2002 and i just bought the 2004 and i have to say i like the 2002 better

Rating:
Summary: Is it an upgrade or can it be a stand alone program?
Review: I just recently purchased Microsoft Work Suite 2004 and haven't even open the box yet because I am confused about what is needed to run the program. It seems that it is not a stand alone program, but an upgrade to many different types of word processing programs. Can I install it and run it without other word processing software? Is it an upgrade?

Rating:
Summary: Great home product!
Review: I love this bundle! I have worked with MS Publisher, Excel, Quicken, and Access and this does all those things for a LOT less. Works is definately the workhorse here, but I absolutely love the Money program. I am amazed at how detailed I can get with my money planning. As a PTA stay at home mom I use every program in here to do school projects, and Picture it! is so easy with my digital camera. Encarta's encyclopedia will be great for my son's homework, and I'm already planning trips with the Streets program. I couldn't be happier and so far I haven't had one error or problem

Rating:
Summary: Not any better than older version.
Review: I purchased this suite hoping to upgrade from my old 2001 suite, only to find that its not much of an upgrade. The Works task launcher is nice looking and easy to use and Word is also easier to use. But lets get to the trouble spots in Encarta and Picture It. Encarta's upgrades are only cosmetic and you have to "join" club Encarta to get updates, something you did not have to do in older versions. Why do I need to join ? Picture It, another program I loved in the older version, is now a stripped down version with minimal editing and touchup tools. But don't worry, you'll be able to get all the features of older versions, if you upgrade to the $99 pro version. Tools such as clone and blending brushes and color matching tools are missing. Streets & Trips is practically identical to the 2001 version. In 3 years microsoft could'nt come up with something new like 3D views of map areas and statistical info of the zoomed area. Things like customizable tool tips that display population, number of rest stops, restaurants, ect would be nice and easier than typing in what you need to see everytime. The Money program is pretty good but does'nt do much more than older versions either. So if you like pretty interfaces and aren't picky about content get this suite, otherwise don't.

Rating:
Summary: great combination of appropriate software
Review: If you considered this suite upon the merits of just two of the programs contained inside, the price is a real deal. For me, Money 2004 and Streets and Trips were the two programs I really wished to get. I was not disappointed. Microsoft really needs to be commended for the excellent work they have done in selecting some very useful programs to put together. On the other hand, Word comes with 500+ useful templates and that also made the suite a wonderful deal. I enjoy the Works program itself because it is simple and functional. I don't need much more for home use. If I was a corporate user, I would buy a corporate license I suppose, but this is a great combination. It is also discounted now. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed

Rating:
Summary: There's a bargain here - and it's not OpenOffice
Review: It's remarkable that anyone would recommend Open Office. The sole thing in favor of it is that it's free. It's a poorly executed attempt at an alternative to Microsoft Office, but it misses out all but the most basic features. In addition it is a CPU hog, often using 100 percent of the processor.

Works Suite has a whole bunch of programs that don't come with the typical Office suite, and they're often the best of their class. The cost of them (Money, Streets and Trips, Picture it! and Encarta) would come to more than the cost of Works Suite. In addition you get a Works program that has been designed to be easy to use, plus what is arguably the world's best Word processor.

Unless you're locked into an ABM (Anything But Microsoft) view this is a great bargain, and if you don't want Microsoft take a look at the WordPerfect suites.

Rating:
Summary: Very nice
Review: Just a great set of computer tools at a great price. What more could you ask for?

Rating:
Summary: nice bundle for the general family use or student
Review: Most people that write need Word - Microsoft's Word Processing Program. It is also found in Office - but many times the average family user does not need Powerpoint or Excel, but want general programs such as Money, Street Finder, an advanced Paint-photo publishing program and Word!! Picture It is Microsoft's publishing photo program and usually cost around $60. You get that Word, Money, Street Finder, and Encarta! All for a price coasting 1/3 or less of Office. This is amazing and just perfect for family use or student use.

So if you need Word but gulp at the price of Office this is a very good alternative!

Picture-it is a nifty program that does many of the same things Javc's PSP does, but in a for much easier for the casual learner to pick up. It has many create your own templates, such as cards and letter heads. The photo handling and effect are super.

So this is work every penny.

Rating:
Summary: I bought this for the Microsoft Word software
Review: My computer(2001) model, HP. Walmart special, came with Microsoft Works 2001 installed on it.
My husband is starting a new job and to send his reports in he needed WORD, so this employer could open the attachment. they couldn't open the attachment being sent in Works, because I didn't have Word.
So far I have just installed the upgrade for Works 2004 and Word 2002. I think it is going to be just what we needed.
I am thankful that my computer came with Works preinstalled, because on the side of the box it states:
Microsoft Works Suite 2004 is an upgrade to Works, Word, or other word processing programs.
To be elgible for Microsoft Works Suite 2004, you must be a licensed user of any of the following applications:
Microsoft works(all versions), Microsoft Word(version 6.0 or later for MS DOS, Windows, and Windows NT(workstation)Wordperfect for MS DOS(4.0-5.1) Wordperfect for windows(5.1 or later) productivity suites from Novell or Corel which contains these wordperfect versions

Product activation is required for continued use of Microsoft Word, and may be done by internet or telephone, Instructions and Microsoft
privacy policy will be detailed to the user during launch of the product.

So be sure and check to see if you qualify for this product or you may have Word, only briefly!! Thank goodness I had Works.

I plan on putting some of the other software on my computer at a later date.

Hope this helps you.