Microsoft Office XP Professional Version 2002 is the top-of-the-line suite of Microsoft applications which includes Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and Access. It is an extremely powerful set of programs suitable for business operations but is also perfect for home use. Office XP Standard is a suite as well but it does not contain the database Access. I had purchased a Windows XP computer with pre-installed Office XP for Small Business which does not include Access or Power Point. With this I was able to use Excel to take over my many databases from an earlier version of Access, but the interaction between tables and the mail merge functions seemed to be more difficult in Excel, or at least not as smooth.

I had one problem with installing the upgrade to XP Pro. Choosing the "Typical" installation brought up the warning that previous versions had been found and they would be uninstalled. That certainly was OK but the next window indicated that Word, Excel, Outlook and Access were not available. I didn't understand that so I went back to the installation window and chose "Custom", and the next window listed all of the applications so that I could check each of the boxes. The installation then proceeded without a hitch.

The software included a CD with Step-by-Step Interactive Training. I must say that this is the finest set of tutorials I've ever seen or used, covering all of the applications and allowing me to navigate to some functions that I was not aware or others where I needed refreshing. It is fine for beginners as well as experienced users, and I find it much easier than searching through the huge Help files. It is definitely interactive and prompts are displayed if the steps are not followed properly. The contents of the CD can be fully installed on the hard drive if there is enough space and the tutorials can be accessed while working in any of the applications. It is a great tool.

I have used Word for many years but I still find new or improved functions continually, many of which I'll probably never need, but it's nice to know that they are there. Tables are easily created and can provide simple records for databases, addresses and spreadsheets. Pages can be set up with columns so a newsletter or publication can be designed. Web pages can be designed. Many templates are provided and the "Wizard" can lead you through the all of the steps. I am still learning about the many aspects of formatting and whether I should use automatic or manual, and where, but again the Interactive Training help is available. It has audio instructions but unfortunately requires some of the dreaded chore of "READING".

One of Word's most useful tools for business users is providing the ability to circulate a document to team members for their suggestions, input or corrections. This can be done by using Microsoft Team Web site where files can be shared or discussions held, or by accessing the document through a network. The original can be locked so changes can't be made, the document will show the changes or comments of each member, and then the document can be finalized by the originator.

Voice recognition has been made an integral part of Word and appears in the tool bar menu. It has a training tutorial and I must say that with a minimal training session, I was able to dictate documents easily, but with quite a few errors. Each time I used it, there were fewer errors and with more practice, I'm certain that the results will be better and I will use it more. One warning is required. Disconnect or shut off your microphone after using the Voice Recognition functions. I found out the hard way that strange words and characters appeared in documents as I tried to type. In fact, without touching the keys, words or strings of characters were randomly inserted. I had not shut the microphone off and it was picking up room sounds or conversations and the program was trying to type what it heard. It even did it in other applications, in filling out forms, and in writing e-mails. I thought that a virus was the cause, but in searching various sites, including Microsoft Knowledge Base, without success, I finally found a reference in Norton's knowledge base and FAQs. So, be sure to shut off the microphone when not using Voice Recognition.

Excel is a fine spreadsheet application and it again has functions that are far more advanced than my needs. I do not prepare or keep financial records in this program, but I could…easily. Household budgets can be created, investments can be cataloged and tracked. Business records can be set up to track income and expenses, inventories, invoices, including mailing, every function that a company would use to conduct their business. This is a real heavyweight program, capable of handling complex as well as simple calculations and organizations.

Access is also an extremely powerful application, capable of maintaining huge databases, addresses, mailing lists, and contacts for business companies. Form letters written in Word can be merged with address databases to print mailings and envelopes by clicking on an icon in the toolbar. Many other functions are automated. Access can be used in the home to create address books and mailing lists. Databases of medical records and expenses, travel expenses, or any sort of information can be set up and maintained. Again, the Interactive Training lessons are extremely helpful in learning the functions and steps to set up and maintain the records.

We all know about Outlook, most of us use it for our e-mails. However, Outlook provides the means for scheduling, setting up calendars, address books and scores of tasks. Multiple e-mail accounts can be handled. With Personal Calendar and Group Scheduling, a single e-mail can circulate your calendar with suggested meeting dates and times to others for their input, and all can select the acceptable one. It can eliminate repetitive calls and e-mails. A Reminder Window can be set up to pop up automatically to remind you of appointments or tasks. MSN Messenger is integrated, if you open a contact card or start an e-mail, it will indicate that the person may be on-line and a MSN Messenger (Instant Message) session can be held.

Most of us will not use PowerPoint. It is, after all, a presentation tool in which multi-page displays are created. But it can easily be used in the home for setting up slide shows with photos and text, even video and audio clips. These can be burned onto CDs and sent to family or friends for use in their computers. If they do not have PowerPoint, they can download the free PowerPoint Viewer from the Microsoft website, or you can, and send it to them. Or, you can convert the file to a WAV file in PowerPoint and it can be played in Windows Media Player which is a standard on almost all PCs.

As I wrote in the beginning, Office XP Pro is a gigantic combination of programs used by most business firms, but it can easily be used for our enjoyment at home. The Interactive Training sections and the Wizards for each application provide the means to learn and use them, at our convenience.