Microsoft this week updated Microsoft Works -- the consumer-level "home" edition of Microsoft Office. Microsoft Works Suite 2006 is now available for SRP $99.95

Microsoft Works is an integrated word processor, spreadsheet, database, calendar, and email client wrapped up into one large program. The programs are sufficient for most home users -- keep a checkbook, write some letters, perhaps sort some recipies and/or keep track of your music media. Works does not easily interact with Microsoft Office, however, especially the database file format. One would think that MS Access could open a works database file, but that is not the case.

Also included in Suite 2006 are Encarta Encyclopedia, Digital Image Standard, Money 2006, Streets & Trips Essentials, and Word 2002 (the word processor program from Office XP).