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!