Microsoft Works Word Processor

Sure, they're different but they have common wordprocessing features that let you get on with your writing. You'll be able to print hardcopy, and if anyone ever asks you to send softcopy you can export an RTF (Rich Text Format) file that preserves italics, underlines, etc. and can be imported into other programs including MS Word.

Just saying, you might also consider OpenOffice, which is free, but a chunky download if you're on dialup.

-Derek

Once long ago I bought MS Works and I thought it was terrible. I wouldn't use it even if it were free. I second the recommendation for OpenOffice.

Works for writing

I had the same problem. Word is getting both too expensive and too 'cute' w/ all of Microsoft's 'pay as you go' updates. Works is nice but doesn't have the options needed for proper submission to editors or agent's according to most of the Agent's various website's 'Submission Guideline's'. Open Office, now at version 3.1 does have these options, just in a different format than Word. But 2 things that are of specific usefullness are the following.

1st is the fact that OO 3.1 will save in over 25 different formats. That means you can write in OO but save it in a Word format for e-submission to editors and agents. That's what got me going.

2nd is the fact that it's a freebie, which is great for most of us. The only drawback, as has been mentioned, is the slow dow-load time on a dial-up. It's is also a PITA if you do it on a satellite system as well, depending on the amount of download you can manage. OO 3.1 is just a huge down-load either way.

But, and this a big but, check with your local library. Mine up here in Maine has what's known as a T-1 line. And they're Wi-Fi too !! My library has a secure server that they let me use for Wi-Fi. I logged in the other day to see if I could download OO 3.1, just on a whim. Next thing I knew it was done ! In less than 15 minutes I had the entire Office program downloaded. There is a learning curve to be expected (Hey, no good deed ever goes unpunished !), but once you get past it you would swear you died and went to Writer's Heaven.

Hope this helps

I got MS works for free a good few years ago -- it came with a bunch of junk my sister salvaged from a computer shop's toss-outs -- and I would rather download Open Office on dialup than use it! I have done that in the past. Abiword is a good word-substitute too, and not as big a download for the slow connections.

I even have a newer version of Works that I got free. Same thing. Peeeew. I keep the disks for the few useful things I can find on them.