Microsoft Works 9

Overview

Microsoft Works is a productivity suite designed for home users. It is often viewed as a trimmed-down version of Microsoft Office since it is primarily used in home environments for personal and household tasks. The suite includes word processing, spreadsheet, and database tools, as well as a calendar, dictionary, and other features. Works is often bundled with Windows-based computers, but is also available as a standalone product.

User Interface

Microsoft Works' Task Launcher allows users to select one of several different tasks. Once selected, Works launches the appropriate application with its own unique user interface. Users can create, format, and edit documents using each program's built-in tools.

Capabilities

Works includes the following applications:

Works Word Processor: Used for creating documents, brochures, resumes, letters, cards, and other stationery; includes several pre-built templates, a dictionary, and a thesaurus.
Works Spreadsheet: Allows users to record and analyze personal data such as finances and home inventories.
Works Database: Used for storing structured information, such as personal contacts.
Works Calendar: Allows users to manage personal schedules and to-do lists; can combine several calendars into a single file.

Even though Works uses its own proprietary file formats, the software is compatible with standard Office formats for Microsoft Word and Excel. For example, users can save Works Word Processor (.WPS) files as Word (.DOCX) documents and Works Spreadsheet (.WKS) files as Excel (.XLSX) documents. Works can also open most Office formats directly, though some Office-specific objects may not be supported.

User Community

Microsoft Works is used primarily by home users. Its basic word processing, spreadsheet, and database capabilities are sufficient for most personal tasks. The program's built-in calendar also allows users to coordinate and manage daily schedules. For many home users, Microsoft Works serves as a less expensive alternative to Microsoft Office.

Features:

Word processing, spreadsheet, and database tools
Built-in dictionary and calendar
Work Task Launcher for easy task selection
Manages contacts, to-do lists, and personal schedules
Compatible with Microsoft Office file formats

System Requirements:

Windows

1.6GHz processor
Windows XP, Vista, or 7
1GB RAM
860MB free disk space
1024x768 display
4x CD-ROM or DVD drive

Download

Primary File Extension
.WPS	Microsoft Works Word Processor Document

Supported File Types
.CSV	Comma Separated Values File
.DOC	Microsoft Word Document
.DOCM	Word Open XML Macro-Enabled Document
.DOCX	Microsoft Word Open XML Document
.DOT	Word Document Template
.ICS	iCalendar File
.RTF	Rich Text Format File
.TSV	Tab Separated Values File
.VCS	vCalendar Event File
.WDB	Microsoft Works Database
.WKS	Works Spreadsheet
.WPS	Microsoft Works Word Processor Document
.WPT	Works Template
.XLR	Works Spreadsheet
.XLS	Excel Spreadsheet
.XLSB	Excel Binary Spreadsheet
.XLSX	Microsoft Excel Open XML Spreadsheet

Additional Related File Formats
.BCM	Microsoft Works Communications Script Backup
.BDB	Microsoft Works Database Backup File
.BKS	Microsoft Works Spreadsheet Backup File
.BPS	Works Document Backup
.CAG	ClipArt Gallery Package
.HTM	Hypertext Markup Language File
.HTML	Hypertext Markup Language File
.HTX	HTML Extension File
.PWI	Pocket Word Document
.STF	Microsoft Setup Table File
.TXT	Plain Text File
.WCD	Works Calendar File
.WCM	Microsoft Works Communications Script
.WRI	Windows Write Document
.WWD	Works Wizard File