Microsoft KB Archive/137883

= Works 4.0 for Windows 95 Press Release =

Article ID: 137883

Article Last Modified on 11/15/2004

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Works 4.0 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q137883



SUMMARY
The following article contains a complete copy of the Works 4.0 for Windows 95 Press Release that was released on August 21, 1995.



MORE INFORMATION
Microsoft Gives Small Businesses the Works With New Version of Best-Selling Integrated Application for Windows

Microsoft Works and Bookshelf '95 for Windows 95 Answers the Demand For All-in-One, Simple Way to Get the Job Done, for Approximately $79.95

REDMOND, Wash. - Aug. 21, 1995 - Small-business and home-office computer users don't have time to learn a lot of complicated software, yet they often have to wear multiple computing hats - word processor user, bookkeeper and on-the-spot budget creator. They want top performance, simplicity and computing that works - they need the new Microsoft(r) Works & Bookshelf(r) '95 CD-ROM reference library for the Windows(r) 95 operating system, available for an introductory price of approximately $79.95 (U.S.) or Microsoft Works for Windows 95 available on diskette for an introductory price of approximately $54.95 (U.S.).

This new version of the world's best-selling integrated software for the Windows(r) operating system, announced today, has been expanded and redesigned to take full advantage of Microsoft's powerful new Windows 95 and includes even more wizards than previous versions.

Works & Bookshelf '95 for Windows 95 is Microsoft's response to ongoing requests from small-business users to make computing more productive and hassle-free. Already the world's most popular integrated software package for Windows, the latest version of Works makes it even easier to accomplish everyday computing tasks efficiently, intuitively and professionally.

"Microsoft Works for Windows has been an incredibly successful product and boasts more than 13 million users worldwide," said Patty Stonesifer, senior vice president of the consumer division at Microsoft. "Now optimized to take advantage of the Windows 95 productivity features, Microsoft Works raises ease of use and integration to a new level, and its new task-based efficiency and simplicity will make it easier than ever for small businesses to get the job done."

"Microsoft Works for Windows has always been very popular with our customers," said Gary Schweikhart, director of public relations for Office Depot, "And we are extremely pleased to feature the new Microsoft Works & Bookshelf for Windows 95 since it is such a great value for small business owners."

For a complete business and home solution, the CD-ROM version of Works for Windows 95 also includes the Microsoft Bookshelf '95 reference library. Microsoft Bookshelf is a comprehensive collection of the following eight essential reference tools: The American Heritage Dictionary, The Original Roget's Thesaurus, The World Almanac(r) and Book of Facts 1995, The Concise Columbia Dictionary of Quotations, The People's Chronology, The Hammond Intermediate World Atlas, and the National Five-Digit ZIP Code(r) and Post Office Directory. The latter is useful for the small-business owner who is creating a letter and needs to know the ZIP Code for Topeka, Kan., for example. The user now can look it up without ever leaving the application.

Small-Business Tasks Made Easy With New Task Launcher and 39 TaskWizards

Works now includes a new Task Launcher, which takes users immediately to the desired task and lets them focus on the results, instead of the software. The Task Launcher offers TaskWizards for 39 common business, education and home tasks, including letters, bids, invoices and grade books. The TaskWizard asks a few questions, then creates professional-looking documents automatically that are suitable for a range of business purposes.

"As a small-business owner, I need software that helps me get my work done as quickly as possible, but that still looks professional," said Gayle Green, owner of G&G Farms Data Services. "Microsoft Works answers all my computing needs and has every tool I could ever hope for. The new TaskWizards in Microsoft Works give me great results quickly and easily, allowing me even more time to focus on growing my business."

If users prefer using traditional computer application tools instead of the Task Launcher, Works for Windows 95 still provides users with direct access to a word processor for writing letters and memos, a database for keeping track of lists, a spreadsheet for preparing budgets and calculations, and communication tools for dialing up online services.

Works Makes Correspondence a Breeze

Writing letters, the most common business computing task, has never been easier. Users can choose Letter from the Task Launcher, and the TaskWizard will help them add formatting to their letters or other documents. If users are having trouble finding the right words or styles when creating letters, they can select from more than 100 sample letters in the LetterWorks(r) products that are included. The Letter TaskWizard can even access the user's address book to set up a mail merge. In addition, new Easy Formats produce common formatting results quickly, without a lot of steps.

Take the Hassles out of Small-Business Bookkeeping With Instant Databases

Another common small-business task is bookkeeping, including tracking amounts owed or due and creating and printing invoices and statements. For users who need to perform basic bookkeeping tasks, such as tracking budgets and accounts payable, Microsoft Works can meet their needs. The new Account TaskWizard creates databases for accounting information automatically, then produces reports on overdue accounts, monthly activities and month-end statements.

With the inclusion of a new Easy Calc function, users no longer have to define complicated formulas and complete spreadsheet fields. Users can select a function in simple English - using words such as sum, multiply and average - highlight the cells that are to be calculated, and Easy Calc does the work automatically.

Optimization for Windows 95 Means Greater Ease of Use

Because Works is optimized for the Windows 95 operating system, users are able to take advantage of several new features in Windows 95, such as long file names, right-mouse-button functionality and fast printing. Easy-to-understand long file names can be used, so a letter can be named New Business Pitch Letter instead of Nwbizltr.doc. In addition, users can click the right-mouse button to perform common computing tasks quickly, such as cut, copy, paste or move. Printing also is much faster and more intuitive. Instead of having to go through a number of steps to print a file - start an application by searching for it in File Manager and then opening it - Works will print a file directly from the new Windows 95 Explorer.

Works for Windows 95 supports Plug and Play capabilities in Windows With Plug and Play, users can add modems to their computers without having to reconfigure their systems or the Works applications. This makes dialing into an online service or bulletin board easier than ever. Works for Windows 95 also provides a direct connection to the Works Forum on The Microsoft Network (extra charges will apply). Users can access tips, ideas and templates; contact Microsoft product support; or share information with other users of Works.

Burn Those Bulky Support Manuals

Small-business owners are busy running their businesses. The last thing they have time for is searching through thick manuals to figure out how to get a job done. Works for Windows 95 offers a simple, straightforward Help system. Context-sensitive, procedural Help features, completely redesigned for Works for Windows 95, give users as much - or as little - additional information as they desire to complete their tasks.

Works Help is now designed with step-by-step instructions that walk users through the task at hand. Also new to Works for Windows 95, Help is readily available on a permanent screen to the right of the task, so users can access it when needed. Works resizes and repositions the task and the Help dialog box automatically, so both are visible at the same time.

Works for Windows 95 comes with a Works Companion, a concise guide that teaches by example and provides ideas and tips for using Works. The Works Companion responds to the common user preference of learning by doing, not reading.

Interoperability Makes Sharing Objects Easier

Works for Windows 95 lets users insert clip art, drawings, charts, WordArt and other objects into documents, right from the menu bar and without thinking about how or where the object was created. For example, Works lets users create a spreadsheet within a word processing document.

In addition, all Works for Windows 95 documents can be used with Microsoft Office 95 applications such as Microsoft Excel and Word. And, if users' computing needs change over time, they can upgrade easily to Microsoft Office 95 and take all of their Works for Windows 95 files with them.

Microsoft Works also is compatible with the new Microsoft Publisher CD Deluxe for Windows 95. Since both Microsoft Works and Publisher are targeted at small-business owners, the products are designed to work together seamlessly. Users can import a story created in Works directly into Publisher, enabling small-business owners to create marketing materials quickly and easily.

Pricing and Availability

Microsoft Works & Bookshelf '95 for Windows 95 on CD-ROM is scheduled to be available on Aug. 24 for an introductory price of approximately $79.95 (through Dec. 31, 1995). Works for Windows 95 on diskette is scheduled to be available for an introductory price of approximately $54.95 (through Dec. 31, 1995).

Registered users of previous versions of Works (for the Windows or MS-DOS(r) operating systems) will receive a coupon for a $10 rebate when they purchase Works for Windows 95. Registered owners of Works who purchased the product after July 15, 1995, can upgrade to Works for Windows 95 at no charge (offer expires Dec. 31, 1995).

System Requirements

Works for Windows 95 requires a personal computer with a 386DX or higher processor (486 recommended) running the Microsoft Windows 95 operating system with 6 MB of RAM (8 MB recommended) or the Windows NT(tm) Workstation operating system version 3.51 with 12 MB of RAM, a 3.5-inch high-density disk drive, 5 to 20 MB of available hard-disk space, and a VGA or higher-resolution video adapter (Super VGA for 256-color support recommended). A Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device is also recommended. For communications and online access, a 2400 bps or higher Hayes(r)-compatible modem is required. A CD-ROM drive is required for Works Bookshelf '95 for Windows 95.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.



Microsoft, Bookshelf, Windows, MS-DOS and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The World Almanac and The World Almanac and Book of Facts are registered trademarks of Funk & Wagnalls Corp.

ZIP Code is a registered trademark of the U.S. Postal Service. LetterWorks is a registered trademark of Round Lake Publishing Co. Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc.  The ZIP Code database is licensed from the United States Postal Service. Microsoft is a nonexclusive licensee of the United States Postal Service. The ZIP Code database in intended for reference purposes only and may not be used for the purposes of qualifying for postal rate discounts.

Additional query words: w_works PR 4.00 winnt

Keywords: kbinfo KB137883

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