Works saves open files every 10 minutes or at a user-specified interval (from five minutes to an hour). The difference? The basic installation uses 65MB less hard disk space but requires the Works CD for certain tasks, such as retrieving clip art.Īutobackup and document recovery, another new feature borrowed from Office, is great for crash-prone PCs. The process was automatic, requiring only that we choose between the complete (recommended) or basic installation.
#MICROSOFT WORKS SPREADSHEET CONVERTER INSTALL#
The full Microsoft Works 8.0 install took only five minutes in our tests. Microsoft competitor Corel does not offer an entry-level version of WordPerfect to match the price and features of Works. While Works 7.0 users should pass on this minor upgrade, budget-conscious families new to Works will benefit from its clean, task-oriented interface and rock-bottom price.
For instance, the word processor lacks collaborative editing tools, the spreadsheet doesn't support Excel macros, and although Works can display PowerPoint presentations, it can't create or edit them. Works 8.0 also adds an autobackup and recovery feature, an easy-to-use dictionary, and a slightly revamped calendar. Its key modules- word processor, spreadsheet, and database-provide extensive handholding and are best suited for computing neophytes. As a $50 alternative to full-featured office suites that cost hundreds more, Microsoft Works 8.0 is a nicely integrated productivity package for home users.