Part 5. USING MICROSOFT WORKS

Microsoft Works is a suite of five basic applications, all tied together by an interface called the Task Launcher. The key components of Works are Works Word Processor, Works Spreadsheet, Works Database, Works Calendar, and Address Book. (On many systems, the Works Word Processor is replaced by Microsoft Word, a more fully featured program.) Some computer manufacturers include the complete Microsoft Works Suite, which adds Microsoft Money, Microsoft Picture It!, Microsoft Streets & Trips, and Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia.

When you launch Microsoft Works, the Works Task Launcher appears onscreen. Along the top of the Task Launcher are buttons that link to five pages; each page represents a different way to enter a program or document. The Home page includes tabs to view your Calendar and Contacts, as well as a Quick Launch bar that lets you launch any application directly. The Templates page helps you create particular types of documents. The Programs page lets you launch specific Works programs, whereas the Projects page helps you create large-scale projects. And the History page lets you reload any document you've recently edited with any Works application.

When Task Launcher is launched, select a page, select a program or task, and then you're ready to work!

THE WORKS TASK LAUNCHER

LAUNCHING A PROGRAM

You use the Programs page to launch individual Works applications. After you select a program and task, the Task Launcher opens the program you selected with the appropriate task-based template or wizard loaded.

Click the Start button and select All Programs, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Works Task Launcher .

From the Works Task Launcher, click the Programs page.

From the Choose a Program list, click a program icon.

From the tasks displayed for that program, click a task.

STARTING A NEW TASK

To create a specific type of document-and have Works automatically load the right program for that task-you use the Templates page. Select a task, and Works will launch the appropriate program with the selected template already loaded.

From the Works Task Launcher, click the Templates page.

From the Choose a Category list, click the type of task you want to start.

From the templates displayed for that category, click a specific template.

NOTE Tasks Are Templates In older versions of Microsoft Works, the Templates page is called the Tasks page.

OPENING AN EXISTING DOCUMENT

If you've been working with Works for awhile, you can use the History page to reopen documents you previously created. The History page lists all your recently used files, newest files first.

From the Works Task Launcher, click the History page.

Click the name of the file you want to open .

TIP Older Files If the file you want isn't listed on the History tab, Task Launcher lets you search for that file. When you click the Find Files and Folders link, Task Launcher displays a file/folder window with the search function enabled.