Microsoft's Works Suite package has been much maligned in the past. Certainly, it lacks some of the power of its big brother, leading many to believe it's not worth having.

But, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth: the 2003 version of Works Suite has plenty to recommend it.

Works Suite 2003 comprises six applications: Works 7, Word 2002, Money 2003, AutoRoute 2002, Picture It! Photo and Encarta Standard 2003. In short, it's a complete set of programs to get any user going, covering office productivity, accounting, reference, image editing and more.

Works itself provides a combined database, spreadsheet, calendar and address book. It also acts as a hub for access to the other applications.

Centred on a browser-style home page, the Works Launcher lets you keep track of work via to-do lists and perform common tasks such as checking your emails, setting up a spreadsheet to sort your expenses, cataloguing your CD collection or writing a letter to the bank manager.

Those used to going straight for individual applications may find this approach confusing, but complete novices should find it useful. The other applications provide the real meat and can all be accessed individually.

First up, Word 2002 brings professional word processing facilities, including a horde of fonts, a spellchecker, an integrated thesaurus, options to create multi-column documents and tables, and the ability to mix text and graphics. When it comes to producing written documents, there's not a lot you can't do here.

Meanwhile, Money and Encarta are the brand-new 2003 editions. Money helps you keep track of your finances, from balancing your bank accounts to planning for those big purchases or events, such as a wedding.

It requires discipline to keep records up to date but if you do, the results are well worth it. The 2003 edition also integrates with Microsoft's .Net PassPort scheme, providing more online facilities.

Encarta is perhaps the most interesting package included here. Providing the equivalent content of a 32-volume encyclopaedia, it's the perfect reference work for all ages.

The 2003 Standard edition includes over 30,000 entries, 8,500 photos and illustrations, and hundreds of video, sound and music clips. It also includes online links to keep things updated - how many books do that?

The other two parts of Works Suite are Picture It! Photo and AutoRoute 2002.

Designed for simple photo retouching, such as red-eye removal, picture sharpening and contrast enhancement, Picture It! Photo is basic when compared to some other software but what it does gets the job done well. Scan in an image and you can turn it into a masterpiece in seconds.

AutoRoute 2002 is last year's edition of the popular journey planner. We're still amazed at just how useful this, with the version included covering streets in no less than 12 European countries.

Get directions to individual addresses, print maps and even avoid certain routes. Aside from Picture It, everything is a near-leader in its field.

Minor gripes aside, this is as comprehensive a suite of applications as most people will need. As an overall package, Works Suite 2003 is Microsoft's best productivity bundle yet.

DETAILS

Price: £120
Contact: Microsoft 0870 6010 100
www.microsoft.com/uk