First, the ads don’t bother me as long as they don’t impede my ability to use the software and get work done. However, my problem with works is that over the years it was always this dysfunctional suite of office apps that almost always had issues when trying to share info with others who used the full blown Office suites or (heaven forbid) a competing product like Word Perfect suites or even Open Office.

Has this changed? I don’t know. I would probably opt for Open Office for the ad-less feature and full Office suite look & feel. The Word Perfect suite that used to come with most Dell’s is also a nice suite of apps and is perfectly capable of saving in Office formats if needed.

Bottom line: I wouldn’t use Works just from my past experiences. Seems like Works has always been a forgotten black sheep of the Microsoft Office family…not even sure why they continue focusing efforts there when Office now has so many versions…they should put their efforts in their Office 200x family and make it as stable, feature-rich, and usable as they can.

Just my opinion, Peace!!

I don’t like ad based office suites. I buy the real thing.

Thanks for the comments. They are appreciated.
Regards, Ron

My experience with M$ products is M$Office 97 which is still OK, M$Office 2000 OK, or OpenOffice, which is great, my experience with M$Works is the ‘95 version which was so bad it was removed.

I cannot imagine using what I expect to be a cut-down version with limited file formats.

M$ Works with advertising? I wouldn’t use it even without the ads.

Microsoft Works should be a freebie, no strings attached. It should be available for free download.

Even if all that happened, it would still be a dysfunctional piece of trash that has been this way since the 90’s.

Why, with OO out there, would any thinking person waste any time with MS Works?

Hello Christopher and Ron E.,
I agree. I never found MS Works very useful compared to other options. I don’t think you will see the world flocking to Works. Ads or no Ads.

Thanks for the comments, Ron

MSWorks always created problems, was incompatible, and I dumped it years ago. Open Office is much more functional and it’s free.

For simple word processing tasks, I use Atlantis Nova. It loads in a second and is quite functional. If you’re going to type an everyday letter, or draft an email, it’s perfect. I use it to copy and paste things I’ve found on the internet and to make quick notes to myself, as well.

There’s a registration fee for later versions, but you can still find version 1.0.0.68 for download, and it’s free.

iWork 08 has served me well so far. The ads aren’t a big a deal but Works isn’t even worth a download, for Windows just go with Office 2003 or OpenOffice.

I’ve been home computing since the days of the Commodore 64 and have been upgrading OS and Office Suites until now. I need a *real* office suite, not a watered-down Works one that is supported by ads (like Microsoft desperately needs more money?). I’ve tried OpenOffice, but I’m sticking with XP Office (2003) for as long as possible. For the price of Vista in_the_United_States, most of Office should be included.

In short: No. I’m not interested in “Ad Works”. *And* I may be migrating to Linux if this nonsense keep sup.

Hi Michael,
I still use Office 2003 which meets my needs just fine. I’m hanging on to XP until the funeral director pulls the keyboard out of my hands OR Windows 7 comes out.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

Let me think. No.

Microsoft Works is a complete oxymoron. Works is a piece of crap. It SHOULD be free. Nobody should be charged for crappy software. Especially with free alternatives such as Google Docs and Open Office.

Personally, I’m using Office 2008 for Mac. I love it.

James…

You have got to be kidding!…