The program itself installed fine, but I need to print envelopes, wich some genuis did not program in, I use the other programs, but was forced to uninstall the works and go back to my older version. If you need spread sheets and the like it is fine but keep your old works it is much better.

I just recently purchased Microsoft Work Suite 2004 and haven't even open the box yet because I am confused about what is needed to run the program. It seems that it is not a stand alone program, but an upgrade to many different types of word processing programs. Can I install it and run it without other word processing software? Is it an upgrade?

My computer(2001) model, HP. Walmart special, came with Microsoft Works 2001 installed on it.
My husband is starting a new job and to send his reports in he needed WORD, so this employer could open the attachment. they couldn't open the attachment being sent in Works, because I didn't have Word.
So far I have just installed the upgrade for Works 2004 and Word 2002. I think it is going to be just what we needed.
I am thankful that my computer came with Works preinstalled, because on the side of the box it states:
Microsoft Works Suite 2004 is an upgrade to Works, Word, or other word processing programs.
To be elgible for Microsoft Works Suite 2004, you must be a licensed user of any of the following applications:
Microsoft works(all versions), Microsoft Word(version 6.0 or later for MS DOS, Windows, and Windows NT(workstation)Wordperfect for MS DOS(4.0-5.1) Wordperfect for windows(5.1 or later) productivity suites from Novell or Corel which contains these wordperfect versions

Product activation is required for continued use of Microsoft Word, and may be done by internet or telephone, Instructions and Microsoft
privacy policy will be detailed to the user during launch of the product.

So be sure and check to see if you qualify for this product or you may have Word, only briefly!! Thank goodness I had Works.

I plan on putting some of the other software on my computer at a later date.

Hope this helps you.

This software package came on my new computer that I bought in April 2004. I'm still exploring the features, but I'm very happy with it so far. The computer also came with a free trial of Microsoft Word but, after checking out the Works package, I couldn't understand why I'd bother spending a month getting accustomed to Word when I knew I'd not purchase a renewal. Works works for me.

I can't understand where people are getting the idea that this is an upgrade. I searched Microsoft's site and there is no mention of an upgrade version.

You can use an installation of Microsoft Works to get Microsoft Office at upgrade prices, but there appears to be no qualification to use Works itself.

The only caveat is that certain sellers in the "used and new" section are selling OEM copies at very low prices. The OEM copies do not provide tech support unless you bought a computer from the company named on the CD or DVD case. However, you can (as I have done) installed an OEM copy and used all the software including Microsoft Word without any problems.

Again, given in my review I believe this to be one of the bargains of software, I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be on your computer. I am about to sell my computer and I am buying a new copy for my new computer. I'm sure the person who buys my old computer will think it a bargain that so much software is legally included.