Rating: 
Summary: Just too much to ignore
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: What upgrade?
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Truth in Advertising
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: MS Works Suite 2004 is an upgrade, not stand-alone
Review: Purchased MS Works Suite 2004 to install after OEM version was corrupted and files crashed. Unable to simply reinstall because original disc lost. Verified I was OK on system requirements. Reviewed system requirements on package - they varied slightly from those listed on Amazon site. Mid-install message appeared requiring insertion of installation disc for OEM version, now defunct on my computer and the reason for buying new software. No work around. After inspecting packaging again, find small note on side that reads "To be eligible for Microsoft Works Suite 2004, you must be a licensed user of any one of the following applications: Microsoft Works (all versions), Microsoft Word (Version 6.0 or later...) etc. I installed my old version of Word 97, but Suite 2004 still asked for OEM disc with another version. This product is NOT a stand alone software bundle. In reviewing Amazon's description again, there is no indication that this is an upgrade that requires the presence of another and older version of some of the same software. It won't install and Amazon won't accept the return because the product isn't physically damaged or defective though, in my opinion it is described inaccurately. Don't buy unless you have the older version of the required software already on your computer, it is functioning properly and you have the installation discs on hand as well.
Rating: 
Summary: works by itself
Review: The program itself installed fine, but I need to print envelopes, wich some genuis did not program in, I use the other programs, but was forced to uninstall the works and go back to my older version. If you need spread sheets and the like it is fine but keep your old works it is much better.
Rating:
Summary: No complaints
Review: This software package came on my new computer that I bought in April 2004. I'm still exploring the features, but I'm very happy with it so far. The computer also came with a free trial of Microsoft Word but, after checking out the Works package, I couldn't understand why I'd bother spending a month getting accustomed to Word when I knew I'd not purchase a renewal. Works works for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Unjustified for Some
Review: This version of Works Suite 2004 offers almost the same exact features of version 2003. The only difference is Money and Encarta, they included version 2004 instead. For users who might have stuck with version 2000, 2001 or 2002 of Works Suite, this will suite you more.The collection of software included is amazing for the value at which it is being offered. From power and easy to use Word Processing solutions such as Microsoft Word and quality photo-editing with Picture It! this is recommend set of programs for the home user and some businesses who need only the essentials. The package includes Works 7.0 which was also in Works Suite 2003, with basic spreadsheet and database applications.You also get great money management solution, Money 2004 makes it sinch to keep your budget on track and in tact. With its online itegration you can pay bills online or get further information to better manage your financial data.These applications I still consider not be strong enough as Microsoft Excel and Access. The database in Works approach to creating quiries is limited and unreliable. The Spreasheet does not offer the powerful calculation tools as Excel and integration between both applications is very limited. But if you need only essential tools for managing the essential aspects of your life whether at home or school Works Suite 2004 is truly a bargain. Remember if you are a user of Works Suite 2003, this update might be unnecessary to you because the majority of the products in version 2003 are included in version 2004. If you want the updated products which are Money 2004 Standard and Encarta Standard 2004 you can purchase them separately.
Rating:
Summary: Why spend the money?
Review: Why buy this product and get an older version of Word and a new version number of Works for the price advertised above when you can get a full-blown office suite that reads and writes Word, Excel and Powerpoint file formats for FREE? I recommend Openoffice.org's Openoffice Suite as a suitable replacement for this over-priced software. You won't get MS Money or some of the other programs but you will get a word processor, plus a spread sheet, drawing , and presentation program for FREE. After all, isn't FREE better than $xxx.xx?
Rating:
Summary: Great value!
Review: With Works Suite, not only do you get Microsoft Word 2002, you also get Money, Streets & Trips, Encarta etc. It is only slightly more expensive than buying Word by itself! I can't believe that I can buy all of these programs for under $100.
Rating:
Summary: Great value!
Review: With Works Suite, not only do you get Microsoft Word 2002, you also get Money, Streets & Trips, Encarta etc. It is only slightly more expensive than buying Word by itself! I can't believe that I can buy all of these programs for under $100.
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