Microsoft Works 6.0 [Old Version]

Long considered to be the discount cousin of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Works 6.0 is finally emerging as a proud relative able to hold its own in the world of home office applications. The addition of Works Portfolio and Format Gallery make it even easier to create and manage professional-looking, functional, and creative documents, budgets, spreadsheets, calendars, and more. Best of all, the application costs a fraction of what you would pay for Office 2000.

Installing Works 6.0 is a quick and easy process--within 15 minutes of opening the box, we had it up and running. The application guides you through the process with ease and clarity, mainly because the program lacks the wide array of choices and features that often slow down an installation. At the heart of the application is the Task Launcher, which looks and feels like a Web site yet launches Works pages rather than Web pages. This resemblance may help put a novice user at ease by re-creating a familiar environment.

If you're looking to manage your household, Works 6.0 should give you all you need. The word processor covers all the basics, including letters, labels, and résumés, with the added ability to include links to Web pages in all your documents. All documents created in Works can be sent directly through the included e-mail application, while database and spreadsheet tools help you manage your time and money. This new version also allows you to organize and collect photos, links, documents, and more using the Works Portfolio.

People who use office-level applications should be aware that Works does not always synch well with other programs. In addition, unless you want greater organizational capabilities or are looking for a wider selection of formatting options, it may not be necessary to upgrade from earlier versions. However, if you're looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and efficient way to manage your household, Microsoft Works 6.0 is a product you can be proud to bring home. --Gisele Toueg

Microsoft Works 6.0 gives you the essential tools you need for a home PC: word processor, spreadsheet, database, calendar, address book, e-mail tools, and a few new features as well. The new Format Gallery provides hundreds of color-scheme and text style options for customizing your documents. The new Works Portfolio provides a convenient way for you to organize all your images, documents, and downloaded information into intuitive, browsable locations.