Works 2000 comes in two configurations. There is a plain Works 2000 version that comes installed on many new computers. This has a new version of the Works Word Processor as well as the Works Spreadsheet and Database programs. Then there is the more elaborate Works 2000 Suite, which uses Word as the Word Processor while integrating it with the Works Spreadsheet and Database programs. It includes Money, Encarta, Streets & Trips, and Home Publishing. In my capacity as Works SIG leader at my local user group I have studied both versions so as to be able to teach them. I've taught Works Versions 3 and 4 in previous years, always concentrating on the basics of word processing.

The new version of the Works Word Processor is, like its earlier versions, less intimidating to the new computer user than is Word. All those tool bar icons and menu options in Word can be really scary to a beginner. However, many Word features are creeping into the Works Word Processor so I suspect it is only a matter of time until it disappears altogether as it has in Works Suite 2000. One nice feature of earlier Works versions (and of course Word) that I missed from the present Works Word Processor is the ability to set a default font for all word processing documents.

The Task Launcher lets you start a program either by clicking its name or by selecting the task you want to perform.

Members of my structured SIG are mostly new computer users who want to be able to type letters and club reports. They don't need the features required by a professional secretary. They also want to set up a simple database to use for addressing Christmas cards. The Works database integrates nicely with either word processing program, although it took me quite a while to figure out how to do it because it is done differently from earlier Works version.

As for the other components of Works Suite 2000, I was favorably impressed with all of them, although I didn't go into them in depth. Encarta, and Expedia Streets and Trips were much improved over earlier versions. Home Publishing is a great full-featured program. Money appears to cover all one's financial requirements and its Internet links keep it always up to date. At a $109 Works Suite 2000 is a great value.