Microsoft Works, launched for the Macintosh computer in 1986 was Microsoft’s attempt in the early days of personal computers to counter Apple’s free productivity suite called AppleWorks. Microsoft then created a version for the PC. Works provides a low cost software package for OEM distributors to install on new computers to give the home user some of the functionality that business users require by providing a word processor, a spreadsheet and a database program.One of the primary features that has made Microsoft works so popular is its ability to open Microsoft Word documents and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and edit them … a real boon for people who want to be able to read and use documents prepared at work while they are at home without having to put out the money to buy Microsoft Office and still be able to open them up at work with their changes intact. The latest version of the program provides a word processor, a spreadsheet, a flat file database, a slide viewer and a calendar.

Microsoft has made the new version, Microsoft Works 9.0, which is windows Vista compatible available in two releases:

• Advertisement free version available in retail and OEM versions at approximately $40
• Free ad-supported version available only to OEMs so they can install it on new computers.

If you install the 2007 Office System Compatibility Pack, the word processor and spreadsheet can import and export Office Open XML documents. The Microsoft Works home page is shown below.

Works Word Processor

The word processor is basically a stripped down version of Microsoft Word and is based on the code from older versions of Word. However using it the user can create footnotes, endnotes, columns and tables. There is also a spelling checker for those of us who can not spell. The dictionary window is shown below. There are also templates called “palettes” that can be used to format an entire document with a single click of the mouse in the format gallery. The biggest problem with the Works templates is that they can not be modified but that won’t be a problem for most home users. Once they modify a template, such as one of the fax cover sheets, they can save it for future use. The word processing program doesn’t have the robust features that larger business users need but is a good choice for home users and most small business owners.

Works Spreadsheet

The Microsoft Works spreadsheet is a stripped down version of Excel that supports the most commonly used functions of a spreadsheet. The Works spreadsheet supports approximately 70 functions. Unfortunately, it only provides wizards to guide the user for the most basic arithmetic functions which makes it harder for a novice to get the full use of the program. It also has the ability to create simple data entry forms using a word processor type of interface, but doesn’t have the checks and balances to prevent a novice from creating overlapping data fields. But it can open, edit and save excel spreadsheets making it a useful tool.

Works Calendar

The Works calendar, show below, can integrate with the windows address book and has a reminder feature similar to the one available in outlook’s calendar. You can import and export your iCalendar files in their native .ics format but the program does not support publishing your iCalendar online. Works 9 no longer supports synching your calendar with your mobile devices. However, the program can support multiple calendars so one can be created for each member of your family. It also allows appointments to be shared among calendars.

Works Database

The Microsoft Works database is a stripped down version of Microsoft Access and is based on code from older versions of Access. It has the same basic functionality of Access but is not a relational database. However, it is useful for keeping track of your music and video collections, recipes or anything else you have that needs indexing and also needs to be able to enter more than 256 characters, which is the cell limitation of both the Works and Excel spreadsheets. There is a good tutorial on how to use the Works database program at http://www.zisman.ca/database/ .

Slide Viewer

Works allows you to view power point presentations without having to download the viewer program from Microsoft and installing it separately.

Blocking the Ads

You can configure your firewall to not allow the ad supported version of Microsoft Works to contact the server that provides the ads which will prevent them from being shown. Of course, I’m sure Microsoft will eventually find a way to get around that as well.