Is Microsoft works word processor compatible with Microsoft word and why two Microsoft word processors?

Answer 1

works is like a dumbed down version of Word, without quite as many bells and whistles.

I think Word will read MS Works files, but not the other way around, unless you save them in the works format from Word.

Your best bet if you need to deal with word documents is to download the free "open office software, which will allow you to open and manage .doc, .xls, etc files from MS Office.

Answer 2

Works is a scaled down version that includes the Works Word Processor and Spreadsheet (which is a reduced version of Excel). It was introduced as a cheaper alternative to Office.

You can convert documents for Works and Word using the free tool from Microsoft.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=B9E11E83-F51B-4977-B572-8C042DF802C1&displaylang=en

Answer 3

instead of buying a word processor I use open office through Linspire on a live CD boot. Windows no longer can patent it's own proprietary saving routine so other processors will be compatible to a point.

Answer 4

Two??? Did you forget Notepad and Worpad? That makes 4 don't it???

No matter, Works and Word used to be incompatible: however, you can get around that by saving into a format that is compatible with both Works and Word.

Good Luck