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look. It does the same good job in data base management that its predecessors did, but in a way where navigation between data base objects is far easier than before. Experienced end users of MS Access will have no problems in using the new 2007 version. Advanced users will appreciate some upgrades in the Visual Basic module and the rest of the stuff we ordinary end users don't know much about.

Excel

I am an experienced Excel user, and I found the new look and very slick interoperability of this spreadsheet application worth the price of upgrading. Just about everything about this upgraded application is terrific. From formula formatting, exporting/importing data to the absolutely superior new way to produce and edit graphs, Excel is a winner.

Word

This is my least favorite upgrade. In my opinion, the application opens in rather strange configuration where styles seem to dominate the "home" ribbon. The program seems to have been redesigned with the sophisticated end-user in mind and may have left the beginning user somewhat in the dust. Having registered that gripe, however, I do like Word's very neat formatting functional access. Just right click on a word or group of words and a familiar formatting menu pops up in a mini-version.

Word power users will like the reordering of some of the more advanced functions such as devising tables of contents, etc. Also, making and maintaining tables have gone from a head-scratching iteration to a simple point and click operation. If you're into heavy research, language translation and the like, you'll also like Word's upgraded functions for sophisticated authorship.

PowerPoint

The main changes in PowerPoint is its look and navigation tools. New users will have little difficulty in learning this program. Old-timers will love the amazing graphical interface that has been introduced into this reliable presentation program. Try loading one of the supplied templates, and you'll agree that PowerPoint has been improved.

Outlook

There are not many changes to this information and e-mail management program. Outlook 2003 users will have no difficulty in transitioning to the 2007 version. What I liked was the new look for the calendar and contents sections.

Bottom Line

Yes, upgrading to MS Office 2007 is worth the price and the trouble if you:

- can afford it - are an experienced Office power user - have a fast connection to the the internet to access MS web features - have a computer with at least one gigabyte of memory

Learn more about this author, Jerry Curtis.
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