Microsoft Works 7 is essentially a cut-down version of Microsoft Office but manages to pack a lot of functionality in while still offering superb ease of use. Works 7 combines a word processor, spreadsheet, database, calendar and more in to an easy-to-use, project-driven package. You start by choosing a project such as "Do Well in School" then select one of a series of tasks for instance "Track Homework Assignments". Works 7 uses a series of pre-written templates to get you started and while many are basic, they are enough to get you up and running in double quick time. A bonus of this approach is you may get ideas for things you can do with your PC that you would never have otherwise considered.
The more adventurous user can also start from scratch creating documents, spreadsheets and databases and even combining these in projects. While the word processor lacks the power-user functions of Microsoft Word, no facility is really missed. You still have tables, pictures, spell-checking and a thesaurus at your disposal. Equally, the spreadsheet offers enough power for the home user and small business although there is a limit of one sheet per file. The only obvious weakness is data handling where both the spreadsheet and the dedicated database are significantly inferior to their more "professional" equivalents. You can create a single table and design reports but that is as good as it gets.
Microsoft Works 7 provides everything most home users would need in a single, friendly package. Within its limitations it can also read and write many other file formats providing compatibility with other users. --Iain Laskey
