Author David Kay's approach follows the classic For Dummies style. He goes heavy on step-by-step procedures, pausing frequently to unravel jargon in sidebars. Most of the time, the book maintains a task focus, explaining how to write a letter in the Works word processor rather than meticulously dissecting the program's user interface. Kay describes how to use the Works spreadsheet and database and calendar components, plus he gives you the low-down on building functional, good-looking documents that you can easily modify to meet changing needs.

This guide also presents a task-oriented focus on Money, Internet Explorer 4, and Encarta--which make up the rest of Works Suite 99. You'll find out how to perform tasks such as setting up bank accounts and entering transactions in Money and how to send electronic mail messages in Outlook Express. The coverage is fairly light for these programs, so you may need to supplement it with a more in-depth tutorial. However, Microsoft Works Suite 99 for Dummies does a good job of teaching new users how to get things done with the software that came with their computers. --David Wall