Before You Go to a Computer Store...
Buying Programs
Part I: Getting To Know Your Computer
132
The popular combination of word processor, drawing program
and spreadsheet is available in two basic forms - as “Office” suites
and as “Works” packages. Some of these also include a database
program and/or a communications program.
An Office suite provides the same functionality as the manufac-
turer’s individual programs. In addition it usually includes a set of
buttons for swapping between the programs. Some Office suites
also provide a means of easily moving data from one program to
another.
Although expensive, an Office suite still works out cheaper than
buying all the programs individually. So it is a good choice if you
need all the programs it includes.
A Works package is much cheaper than an Office suite. It pro-
vides basic word processing, drawing and spreadsheet functions
and is excellent value for money provided you don’t need any of
the features that have been omitted. Typically a Works package
supports very few file formats, so transferring files between it and
an Office suite can be a problem. This is so, even when the Office
suite and the Works package are from the same software manufac-
turer.
Also, if you are used to a fully functioned word processor (or other
program) the lack of features you use regularly can be very
irritating.
Individual programs have their advantages, too. No single manu-
facturer produces the best program in each category. So you may
prefer to buy A’s word processor, B’s drawing package and C’s
spreadsheet. All the well-known software companies make sure
that their programs can transfer data to and from those of their
competitors. And swapping between programs is easy with the
Windows 95 taskbar.
Also, an Office suite takes up a lot of space on your hard disk. If
you are only going to use a word processor and a drawing pack-
age, buying just the two programs you need is the best option.
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