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.

"There's a bargain here - and it's not OpenOffice"
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.

"great combination of appropriate software"
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

"Great value!"
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.

"MS Works Suite 2004 is an upgrade, not stand-alone"
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.