Customer Reviews

Microsoft Works Suite 2004 [Old Version]

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

Now that I have my copy of Works Suite installed I can't see how anyone can be dissatisfied with it. The copy I obtained through Amazon's "Used and New" section was definitely no upgrade and installed quite happily. I didn't get the retail packaging and the manual was on-line, but the price was trivial. And now I see that buying the full retail package through Amazon direct is almost as cheap.

What should be stated clearly is that you get a full copy of Word 2002 (XP), which is almost the same as Word 2003. Also, you're now eligible to buy Microsoft Office at an upgrade price. Either of these two advantages can save you hundreds of dollars.

That's in addition to getting four applications that are useful every day - Encarta, Money, Streets and Trips, and Picture It! Although Works itself is maybe not as strong as I'd need (I'm used to Office), all the programs show considerable signs of features and design for ease of use.

I've used other examples of the programs here (including Photoshop for picture manipulation) and all the Microsoft offerings really show up well. If they lack any features they make up for it with ease of use. You can even load the data files for Encarta onto your hard disk to run without the DVD or CD-ROM.

Whatever your understanding of computers this is a great addition to your programs, especially at this price.

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.

You don't get the newest version of Word with this suite. In typical Microsoft fashion, they are sticking you with the older Word 2002. They have included the 2004 versions of Money, Encarta, Streets & Trips but not Word. If there was a generous rebate offered on this software it might be appealing. But packaging old applications with new adds a bit of stench to this suite. Avoid it.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Nowhere in AMAZON.COM's write-up of this product is it mentioned that this is an upgrade that cannot be used unless you already
have certain Microsoft software on your PC. Maybe most MS home users already know this, but still it should be shown as prominently as the system requirements. The write-up did not give me enough information to make a good decision. I will probably not buy software from Amazon.com again.