Microsoft Works Version 9: How to Get and Use It on Windows 10/11
Microsoft Works Version 9: A Review
If you are looking for a simple and affordable productivity software suite that can help you with your basic tasks, such as creating documents, spreadsheets, and databases, you might want to consider Microsoft Works Version 9. This software was designed for home users who did not need the full features and functions of Microsoft Office, but still wanted a reliable and easy-to-use software. In this article, we will review Microsoft Works Version 9, its features, its installation process, its usage, its file conversion options, and its alternatives.
Microsoft Works Version 9 Free Downloadl
What is Microsoft Works Version 9?
Microsoft Works Version 9 is the last version of a discontinued productivity software suite developed by Microsoft and sold from 1987 to 2009. Its core functionality included a word processor, a spreadsheet, and a database management system. Later versions also had a calendar application and a dictionary. Works was available as a standalone program, and as part of a namesake home productivity suite. Because of its low cost ($40 retail, or as low as $2 OEM), companies frequently pre-installed Works on their low-cost machines. Works was smaller, less expensive, and had fewer features than Microsoft Office and other major office suites available at the time.
A brief history of Microsoft Works
Microsoft Works originated as MouseWorks, an integrated spreadsheet, word processor and database program, designed for the Macintosh by ex-Apple employee Don Williams and Rupert Lissner. Williams was planning to emulate the success of AppleWorks, a similar product for Apple II computers. Bill Gates and his Head of Acquisitions, Alan M. Boyd, convinced Williams in 1986 to license the product to Microsoft instead. Initially it was to be a scaled-down version of Office for the (then) small laptops such as the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 which Microsoft was developing. As laptops grew in power, Microsoft Works, as it was to be called, evolved as a popular product in its own right.
On September 14, 1987, Microsoft unveiled Works for DOS. The initial version 1.x of Works ran on any PC with at least 256k of memory. Works 2.x, introduced in 1990, required 512k and 3.x, introduced in 1992, required 640k. In 1991, Microsoft issued the first Windows version of Works, titled MS Works for Windows 2.0. System requirements consisted of Windows 3.0, a 286 CPU, and 1MB of memory. Works 3.x in 1993 moved to requiring Windows 3.1, a 386 CPU, and 4MB of memory. Subsequent releases were for Windows 95 and up and the final version was Works 9.x in 2007, requiring Windows XP or Vista, 256MB of memory, and a Pentium 4 CPU.
Microsoft released Macintosh versions of Works starting with Works 2.0 in 1988. The version numbering roughly followed that of Windows releases. Through version 4.5a, Works used a monolithic program architecture whereby its word processor, spreadsheet and database modules could not be run separately. The Works 2000 for Macintosh, released in 1999, was a new product built on the Office 2001 code base, and includes some features of Office 2001 (e.g. the Office Assistant, although the default character was a new character named Max). The last Macintosh version was Works 8.0 in 2004, after which Microsoft discontinued the product.
The main features of Microsoft Works Version 9
Microsoft Works Version 9 was released in September 2007 and was the final version of the software. It was compatible with Windows XP and Vista, and had a suggested retail price of $39.95. It included the following features:
- A word processor that could create and edit documents, letters, resumes, and reports. It had basic formatting tools, such as fonts, colors, bullets, and tables. It also had a spell checker, a thesaurus, and a dictionary. It could open and save files in various formats, such as .wps (Works), .doc (Word), .rtf (Rich Text Format), and .txt (Text). - A spreadsheet that could create and edit worksheets, budgets, invoices, and charts. It had basic calculation tools, such as formulas, functions, and sorting. It also had a chart wizard that could create various types of charts from the data. It could open and save files in various formats, such as .xlr (Works), .xls (Excel), .csv (Comma Separated Values), and .txt (Text). - A database that could create and edit databases, lists, inventories, and mailing labels. It had basic data management tools, such as queries, filters, forms, and reports. It also had a label wizard that could create various types of labels from the data. It could open and save files in various formats, such as .wdb (Works), .mdb (Access), .csv (Comma Separated Values), and .txt (Text). - A calendar that could create and edit appointments, events, tasks, and reminders. It had basic scheduling tools, such as recurring events, categories, and priorities. It also had a reminder feature that could alert the user of upcoming events. It could sync with Windows Calendar or Outlook Express. - A portfolio that could organize and access files from different locations on the computer or on the network. It had basic file management tools, such as search, copy, move, delete, and rename. It also had a preview feature that could display the contents of various types of files. How to download and install Microsoft Works Version 9 on Windows 10
Although Microsoft Works Version 9 is no longer supported by Microsoft or available for purchase from official sources, it is still possible to download and install it on Windows 10 with some tweaks. Here are the steps to do so:
The system requirements for Microsoft Works Version 9
Before downloading and installing Microsoft Works Version 9 on Windows 10, you should make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the software. According to Microsoft's website , these are:
- A computer with a Pentium III or faster processor - At least 256 MB of RAM - At least 400 MB of available hard disk space - A CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive - A monitor with at least 800 x 600 resolution - A mouse or compatible pointing device - An Internet connection for online features The download link and installation steps for Microsoft Works Version 9
Since Microsoft Works Version 9 is no longer sold or supported by Microsoft, you will have to find an unofficial source to download it from. One such source is this website , which provides a direct download link for the software in ISO format. You will need a software like WinRAR or 7-Zip to extract the files from the ISO file.
Once you have extracted the files from the ISO file, you will see a folder named "Works9". Inside this folder, you will find two files: "setup.exe" and "Works9.msi". To install Microsoft Works Version 9 on Windows 10, you will need to run both files in compatibility mode for Windows Vista Service Pack 2.
To do this, right-click on each file and select "Properties". Then go to the "Compatibility" tab and check the box that says "Run this program in compatibility mode for". From the drop-down menu below it, select "Windows Vista (Service Pack 2)". You can also check the box that says "Run this program as an administrator" for extra security. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
Now you can run the "setup.exe" file to start the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may need to restart your computer after the installation is finished.
After the installation is done, you can run the "Works9.msi" file to install the latest updates for Microsoft Works Version 9. This will ensure that the software runs smoothly and securely on Windows 10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update. You may need to restart your computer again after the update is finished.
Congratulations, you have successfully installed Microsoft Works Version 9 on Windows 10. You can now access the software from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
How to use Microsoft Works Version 9
Microsoft Works Version 9 is a simple and user-friendly software that can help you with your basic productivity tasks. Here are some tips on how to use it:
The interface and components of Microsoft Works Version 9
When you launch Microsoft Works Version 9, you will see a welcome screen that gives you three options: Open a document, Start a new document, or Learn more about Works. You can also access these options from the File menu at the top left corner of the screen.
If you choose to open a document, you will see a list of recent documents that you have worked on, as well as a browse button that lets you navigate to other folders on your computer. You can also use the search box at the top right corner of the screen to find a document by its name or content.
If you choose to start a new document, you will see a list of templates that you can use to create various types of documents, such as letters, resumes, reports, budgets, invoices, databases, and more. You can also choose to start with a blank document if you prefer.
If you choose to learn more about Works, you will see a list of topics that explain how to use different features and functions of the software, such as formatting, printing, saving, importing, exporting, and more. You can also access these topics from the Help menu at the top right corner of the screen.
The interface of Microsoft Works Version 9 consists of four main parts: the title bar, the menu bar, the toolbar, and the workspace. The title bar shows the name of the document and the program. The menu bar contains various commands that are grouped into categories, such as File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, Tools, Window, and Help. The toolbar contains icons that represent common commands that are related to the type of document that you are working on, such as cut, copy, paste, undo, redo, font, alignment, bullet, table, chart, and more. The workspace is where you enter and edit your data and content.
The advantages and disadvantages of Microsoft Works Version 9
Microsoft Works Version 9 has some advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before using it. Here are some of them:
Advantages
Disadvantages
- It is simple and easy to use for beginners and home users who do not need advanced features and functions.
- It is outdated and unsupported by Microsoft or other developers who may provide updates or fixes for bugs or security issues.
- It is affordable and lightweight compared to other productivity software suites that may cost more or take up more space on your computer.
- It is incompatible and limited in functionality compared to other productivity software suites that may offer more features or support more formats.
As you can see, Microsoft Works Version 9 has its pros and cons, and you should weigh them carefully before deciding whether to use it or not. If you are looking for a simple and affordable software that can handle your basic productivity needs, Microsoft Works Version 9 may be a good choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more modern and powerful software that can offer more features and compatibility, you may want to look for alternatives to Microsoft Works Version 9.
How to convert Microsoft Works files to other formats
One of the main drawbacks of Microsoft Works Version 9 is that it uses proprietary file formats that are not compatible with other software, such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs, LibreOffice, or OpenOffice. This means that if you want to share your files with others who do not have Microsoft Works Version 9, or if you want to switch to another software, you will have to convert your files to other formats that are more widely supported.
The compatibility issues of Microsoft Works files with other software
The file formats that Microsoft Works Version 9 uses are:
- .wps for word processor documents - .xlr for spreadsheet documents - .wdb for database documents - .wks for calendar documents These file formats are not recognized by most other software, and they may cause errors or corruption when opened or imported by them. For example, if you try to open a .wps file with Microsoft Word, you may see a message that says "Word cannot open this document because it is not a valid Word document". If you try to import a .xlr file with Microsoft Excel, you may see a message that says "The file format and extension of 'filename.xlr' don't match. The file could be corrupted or unsafe. Unless you trust its source, don't open it. Do you want to open it anyway?" If you try to open a .wdb file with Microsoft Access, you may see a message that says "Unrecognized database format 'filename.wdb'".
These compatibility issues can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you need to collaborate with others who use different software, or if you want to access your files on different devices or platforms. Therefore, it is advisable to convert your Microsoft Works files to other formats that are more compatible and versatile.
The methods and tools to convert Microsoft Works files to other formats
There are several methods and tools that you can use to convert your Microsoft Works files to other formats, depending on the type of file and the format that you want to convert it to. Here are some of the most common ones:
- For word processor documents (.wps), you can use Microsoft Word or WordPad to open them and save them as .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .txt files. You can also use online converters such as Zamzar , Online-Convert , or CloudConvert to upload your .wps files and convert them to various formats such as .pdf, .odt, .html, or .epub. - For spreadsheet documents (.xlr), you can use Microsoft Excel or Calc (part of LibreOffice or OpenOffice) to open them and save them as .xls, .xlsx, .ods, or .csv files. You can also use online converters such as Zamzar , Online-Convert , or CloudConvert to upload your .xlr files and convert them to various formats such as .pdf, .html, or .xml. - For database documents (.wdb), you can use Microsoft Access or Base (part of LibreOffice or OpenOffice) to open them and save them as .mdb, .accdb, or .odb files. You can also use online converters such as Zamzar , Online-Convert , or CloudConvert to upload your .wdb files and convert them to various formats such as .pdf, .csv, or .sql. - For calendar documents (.wks), you can use Windows Calendar or Outlook Express (both included in Windows Vista) to open them and save them as .ics files. You can also use online converters such as Zamzar , Online-Convert , or CloudConvert to upload your .wks files and convert them to various formats such as .pdf, .html, or .xml. By converting your Microsoft Works files to other formats, you can ensure that they are compatible with other software and devices, and that they are easier to share and access.
What are the alternatives to Microsoft Works Version 9?
If you are not satisfied with Microsoft Works Version 9, or if you want to try something new and different, you may want to look for alternatives to Microsoft Works Version 9. There are many other productivity software suites that can offer more features, compatibility, and support than Microsoft Works Version 9. Here are some of the top 10 alternatives to Microsoft Works Version 9 that you can try:
The reasons to look for alternatives to Microsoft Works Version 9
There are several reasons why you may want to look for alternatives to Microsoft Works Version 9, such as:
- You want to use a more modern and updated software that can keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the productivity field. - You want to use a more powerful and versatile software that can handle more complex and advanced tasks and projects. - You want to use a more compatible and flexible software that can work with different formats, platforms, and devices. - You want to use a more secure and reliable software that can protect your data and files from threats and errors. - You want to use a more affordable and accessible software that can fit your budget and needs. The top 10 alternatives to Microsoft Works Version 9
Here are some of the best alternatives to Microsoft Works Version 9 that you can choose from, depending on your preferences and requirements:
Name
Description
Price
Microsoft Office
The most popular and widely used productivity software suite in the world, developed by Microsoft. It includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and more. It offers a comprehensive range of features and functions for creating, editing, managing, and sharing various types of documents, data, and presentations. It supports multiple formats, platforms, and devices. It also integrates with other Microsoft products and services, such as OneDrive, Skype, Teams, SharePoint, and more.
$69.99 per year for Office 365 Personal (one user) or $99.99 per year for Office 365 Home (up to six users). Alternatively, you can buy Office Home & Student 2019 for $149.99 (one-time purchase).
Google Workspace
A cloud-based productivity software suite developed by Google. It includes Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendar, Gmail, Drive, Meet, Chat, Sites, and more. It offers a simple and collaborative way of creating, editing, managing, and sharing various types of documents, data, and presentations online. It supports multiple formats, platforms, and devices. It also integrates with other Google products and services, such as Google Photos, YouTube, Maps, Translate, and more.
$6 per month for Business Starter (one user) or $12 per month for Business Standard (up to 300 users). Alternatively, you can use Google Workspace for free with a personal Google account, but with limited features and storage.
LibreOffice
A free and open-source productivity software suite developed by The Document Foundation. It includes Writer, Calc, Impress, Base, Draw, Math, and more. It offers a similar range of features and functions as Microsoft Office, but with more customization and compatibility options. It supports multiple formats, platforms, and devices. It also integrates with other open-source products and services, such as Nextcloud, Collabora Online, and more.
Free
OpenOffice
A free and open-source productivity software suite developed by Apache Software Foundation. It includes Writer, Calc, Impress, Base, Draw, Math, and more. It offers a similar range of features and functions as Microsoft Office, but with more customization and compatibility options. It supports multiple formats, platforms, and devices. It also integrates with other open-source products and services, such as Nextcloud, Collabora Online, and more.
Free
WPS Office
A cross-platform productivity software suite developed by Kingsoft. It includes Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, PDF, Cloud Service, and more. It offers a similar range of features and functions as Microsoft Office, but with more cloud-based and mobile-friendly options. It supports multiple formats, platforms, and devices. It also integrates with other products and services, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, and more.
$29.99 per year for Premium (one user) or $79.99 per year for Professional (up to 9 users). Alternatively, you can use WPS Office for free with a personal account, but with limited features and ads.