1. System requirements a: Personal computer with a 386DX or higher processor, 6MB of memory for Windows® 95 (8MB recommended), 12MB of memory for Windows NT® Workstation. 5 to 20 MB of available hard disk space, depending on which optional components you choose to install. One 3.5" high-density (1.44 MB) disk drive. VGA or higher-resolution video adapter. Microsoft Windows 95 operating system or Microsoft Windows NT. Workstation operating system version 3.51 or later (will not run onearlier versions of Windows). Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device recommended; Hayesor compatible 2400 or higher baud modem required for communications tool and to access the Works Forum on MSN, TheMicrosoft Network (9600 baud modem recommended).
2. The package is priced at around $70 for educational price, this includes the full product without documentation. The Microsoft Works package would be worth the $70, as it contains all the functions necessary for a grade 1-2 student to construct a text and print it. You can produce elementary text documents including the use of clip-art and the package also checks spelling, plus many other features. Works contains large buttons to direct the student user to begin working away. To install the teacher needs only to select setup and insert new disks when required.
3. Microsft Works includes a fully comprehensive on-line help service. This is indexed or may be searched for key words. Documentation may be purchased separately to the licence at a cost of around $50.00. The program allows the student user to modify text by highlighting and selecting using the mouse or keyboard
4. Microsoft Works for Windows 95 is an integrated productivity application that provides the basic computing tools for the casual or novice computer user. It includes a database, word processor, spreadsheet, drawing and communication tools. Microsoft have a dedicated site for Works users. This is http://www.microsoft.com./works. This site includes clip art, templates and teacher specific information. This site links works newsgroups and technical support
5. I observed a child using this program who was 7 years old. Once I demonstrated to them how to use the program and had a sheet explaining the steps involved, they didn't seem to have any problems. The concept of typing text and checking the spelling was a game to them and they enjoyed challenging the computer with made up words to see if it really worked. I thought I would of needed to train the child to use the computer hardware, but they seemed to pick it up relatively quickly, including the use of the mouse to highlight and move text.