Features

• Enhanced features for greater productivity and easier reporting
• Format painter for faster report formatting
• Enhanced Excel export for greater end-user flexibility
• 100-percent Java reporting component for J2EE applications
• Includes introductory offer of Crystal Enterprise Express Edition

Features

• Write like a professional with Word 2002
• Get up and go with Streets & Trips 2005
• Edit and organize your photos with Picture It! Premium 10
• Explore the world with Encarta Encyclopedia Standard 2005
• Get those finances in order with Money Standard 2005

Features

• Information management tool for delivering great customer service
• See customers at a glance and detailed information instantly
• Synchronize information between key applications
• Import contacts from QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and more
• Create group mailings instantly; familiar look and feel of QuickBooks

Features

• Efficiently organize, find, and share paper and PDF documents
• Exceptional document management system; high-speed scanning
• Quickly and easily create PDFs from Windows applications
• Assemble scanned and digital documents with drag-and-drop simplicity
• Find documents, PDF files, photos, and paper instantly

Features

• Provides basic report design functionality off PC-based data sources
• Enhanced features for greater productivity and easier reporting
• Format painter for faster report formatting
• Enhanced Excel export for greater end-user flexibility
• 100-percent Java reporting component for J2EE applications

Features

• Capture and use notes on laptop or desktop computers or Tablet PCs
• Versatility of paper notes; efficiency of digital organizational tools
• Capture info in multiple ways; store in one place; easy to use
• Be more productive anywhere you work with notes
• Great for in meetings, classes, phone conferences, and more

Features

• Easily create Adobe PDF files—create PDF documents with one-button ease from Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Enjoy improved performance—with improved performance you can quickly convert, collect, and organize Adobe PDF documents.
• Assemble documents—create a single Adobe PDF file from multiple sources—including Web pages and e-mail—to deliver one professional document that anyone can open using free Adobe Reader 7.0 software.
• Protect sensitive and confidential documents—control documents inside and outside the firewall, online and offline.
• Enjoy improved attachment capabilities—easily attach source files such as spreadsheets and images to an Adobe PDF document.

Features

• 8 leading home PC tools in 1 complete package
• Quattro Pro 12 Home Edition versatile spreadsheets; word processing
• 50+ templates with WordPerfect OfficeReady - Personal Finance Essentials
• Compose and mix music CDs; Corel Photobook and Corel PhotoAlbum
• Encyclopedia Britannica Ready Reference 2005; Norton Internet Security 2005 suite

Amazon.com Review

Microsoft Office XP's empowering document design tools, integration of voice recognition functionality, and impressive network- and Web-based sourcing capabilities should be enough to convince those interested in saving time and consolidating effort to take the leap. In keeping with Microsoft's much-ballyhooed .NET strategy, Office XP introduces several features that utilize the vast infosphere inhabited by the 21st-century desk jockey. Smart tags beckon underneath recognized objects like misspellings or symbols, offering a stock quote here, a synonym there, or "Would anyone care to configure my auto-correction list?" The task pane looks similar to Microsoft Internet Explorer's Explorer Bar, and acts like an open tool chest pulled up alongside each application in the suite, providing readily configured searches for information or multimedia files. Putting up a team Web site that tracks projects and serves as an information hub requires only the use of one of the included templates, ready to be customized and uploaded to the server.

The Send for Review feature further streamlines the collaborative process by allowing the sender to view revisions made by multiple parties within the framework of the original document. Outlook now features a color-coded calendar and easier meeting management, along with instant messaging and variable e-mail account access. All user system errors can be tracked globally, and network security settings then modified remotely while antivirus and debugging IT resources are diverted accordingly.

After firing up Microsoft Word, typing "Dear Somebody," and hitting the Enter key, we made a startling discovery. Up popped Clippy, Microsoft's publicly pink-slipped office assistant. Clippy might have aptly announced, "Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated," but instead predictably observed, "It looks like you're writing a letter." Once the groans of disbelief had subsided, we quickly right-clicked and banished Clippy to the silicon ether, presumably forever. --Dominic Johnson

This version is only available for students and teachers and will not be able to be upgraded in the future. ... Read more

Reviews (100)

Over the top, but some great benefits and improvements
First, count me among the people pleased with the fact that Microsoft Office - and, in particular, Word - has become the de facto standard for document creation. Does anyone remember what life was like before...when we all wasted copius amounts of time sending and re-sending each other incompatible documents? Why anyone would yearn for those days is beyond me.

Feature-wise, I agree that the programs that comprise Office suffer by trying to be all things to all people. In the excellent book 'Microsoft Secrets,' I recall reading that extensive user testing revealed that the typical user of Word only made use of around 10% of its capabilities. So, in general, you're paying for a lot of bloat that you'll never access and never care about.

The problem with being Microsoft, of course, is that you've got to appeal to a *very* broad audience. That's because the 10% I use may be completely different than someone else's 10%. So, with that in mind, let me tell you about two great things in XP version of Word that I make use of on a continuous basis that you ought to know about.

First, there's the 'Track Changes' capabilities. Yes, this has always been present to some degree, but it got a major overhaul in XP. Now, when you turn the 'Track Changes' mechanisms on, Word shrinks the size of the entire text of the document (temporarily) and reflects all add, change and delete activity in an extensive right-hand margin. What this does for you is that you get all your tracking, while maintaining the flow and readability of the proposed new version of the overall document. You really have to see this in action to appreciate just how much this improves the process.

The other feature to point out is the sheer power and scope of Word XP's multi-language capabilities. I write many documents in Spanish and I am frankly blown-away by my ability to set the 'Language' spellcheck option to any a number of regional Spanish settings (e.g., Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, to name just a few of the many options). Then, as I'm writing, Word catches every little nuance for me - it checks all the many verb forms, even when attaching direct and/or indirect pronouns. Every skipped or misplaced accent is flagged for my attention. In short, using Word XP can dramatically improve your secondary language skills.

I'll talk about PowerPoint briefly - over the years, Microsoft has made it easier to manipulate and put together compelling presentations. In earlier versions, I always felt like I was locked into not much more than bulletized lists. Now, working in combination with Microsoft's built-in Design Gallery Live (and aided immeasurably by Google's Image search), you can piece together compelling visual scenarios *exactly* as you envision them, with no encumbrance from PowerPoint.

One final point is that you should always pair any Office product with a copy of Adobe Acrobat (the PDF *writer*, not just the reader). With Acrobat, you can remove any hint of incompatibility with anyone in the world, regardless of desktop platform, version, etc. Just convert any of your Word, PowerPoint or Excel files into a PDF and you've guaranteed yourself unfettered readability throughout the planet.

Great software.
This is great software but the price is too high when you consider there is software available for free that will acomplish the same or simaler things. www.openoffice.org

This software can be moved to a different PC
this software can be moved to a different PC, all you have to do is call Microsoft and tell them you want to move the software to a different PC and they will give you a code to enter which will allow you to do this

A Good Bargain, But Not Without Faults
I own a new Sony Vaio, which, unfortunately did not come with MS Office. I had PowerPoint as a standalone product, and Word (which came preloaded), but what I really needed was Excel. I am aware that this can only be loaded on one machine, and that the activation is a hassle, but this package is cheaper than any of the MS standalone products.

The bottom line for me was that, in exchange for a little loss in flexibility, I have a complete office suite for a very reasonable price. I had no problem registering or activating it, but understand that others have. I likewise understand that I can't move it to a new machine. My other qualm is that there is essentially no operating information, so if you have a problem in a program, you have no documentation to refer to, which meant for me, that I needed to buy the program information books at additional expense. It's a tradeoff, but for most personal or student users, it is still a bargain.

Mostly the Same Software, Mostly a Better Value
If you're looking to buy any of the programs in Microsoft Office and also happen to be a student or teacher, this package is a great way to get them.

Before you buy this package, make sure your school doesn't have a special deal on it (or its sibling packages)! Large universities are especially likely to have an arrangment where students and teachers may purchase all sorts of Microsoft software through them, at a fraction of even the "... for Students and Teachers" price.

Even though you can't upgrade this package, it's still great for people with slim pocketbooks. Students may wind up having to buy a full version of Office someday, but in all probability there will be a new version of it out by then. Teachers face a rosier future - instead of upgrading, just buy the new academic package. It'll cost the same, or less, and you won't have to deal with the potential instability of upgrading if you don't want to.

As far as the software itself goes, it's the standard by which other productivity packages are judged. It's the latest version of Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint... there's not much else to say. I certainly don't need Access, and I've found that the majority of my peers don't use it either.

Microsoft's activation schemes are irritating, but you probably already knew that.

Don't forget to consider all the options, though! There are several free Windows-compatible productivity suites out there - notably OpenOffice.org - that can do some things as well or better than Microsoft Office. Consider giving them a try before you purchase Office; most people don't stand to lose anything except an investment in software they don't end up needing.

Ultimately, this package is a good choice for academics who need the funcionality, support, or generally "safe" feeling of the latest Microsoft Office package. I've had a good (if uneventful) experience with this software, and I don't feel any qualms about recommending it to those who are eligible to use it. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

FileMaker Pro 6.0 makes data management for individuals and small groups engaging and almost fun. Installation and setup are both surprisingly quick and easy, and the templates and wizards will have most users frolicking with their new or imported databases in just a couple of hours. The interface and design tools are comfortable for Windows users of all levels of experience. The software is not designed for the lowest common denominator, though--advanced users will find FileMaker Pro's scripting language for queries and other tasks handy, if not all-powerful.

Data entry couldn't be easier. For some formats, it's as simple as dragging and dropping folder contents, so multimedia management, for example, becomes almost trivial. FileMaker Pro's data manipulation tools are more powerful than before, which means administrators would do well to limit users or train them carefully. Searches, the meat of the package, are simple enough for beginners but offer enough complexity to keep power users happy. One new timesaving search feature is the extend/constrain function: if a search returns too few or too many results, it takes just one step to expand or contract search parameters.

Web-style integration in FileMaker Pro 6.0 has taken a huge step forward from version 5.5; the look and feel of the desktop is almost seamlessly translated to intranet application. However, those with more than 10 potential FileMaker users should pick up the unlimited-use version of the software. FileMaker can import and export XML, so data can be manipulated and then easily shared with non-users via a Web browser.

While there might be more powerful data management packages available, for a wide range of uses and users, FileMaker Pro 6.0 is tough to beat. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Filemaker Pro 6 is great!
This versatile program is easy to use and yet makes the tech types happy. For the price there is no comparison!

Tanya Milligan

Fantastically Versatile Program!
To even compare FileMaker Pro with Access is absurd.

While FileMaker is not on the order of MySQL or Oracle in terms of speed and power, it is far more flexible and far less expensive than anything else available in this workgroup class of applications for any Windows or Mac environment.

You can start small, with just one or two computers and grow your solution into a fully server-based and remotely managed application. And if you should happen to need to migrate to a "big iron" type Database someday, such as MySql, conversion tools are available that will automate large parts of such a migration - including scripting. There are also a large number of third-party plugins should any other functionality be required down the road.

Importing and exporting data is a snap in just about any format. As for sharing data, FileMaker is unmatched and even includes a small-scale web server function in addition to the "instant web publishing" function.

It's an absolutely wonderful tool for any serious IT person that isn't threatened by a program that most non-IT people can understand.

Outstanding. More than most people need.
I have worked with very large databses (greater than 500 tables in Oracle and SyBase) and very small ones. If you are looking for a db implementation for less than $50,000, your first product to evaluate should be Filemaker. It will probably do all (and more) than you need. Anyone who says that MS Access is easier or more reliable than Filemaker either works for Microsoft or has some other unhelpful bias. Ask users and/or developers to show you databases built in the two products and you will see an enormous difference. The Access ones are likely to be crude and require frequent redevelopment work. The Filemaker ones are likely to be clean, reliable and flexible.

If you don't need the huge power of the big guns (Oracle, SyBase, IBM), ignore Filemaker at your own risk.

Outstanding product that empowers users and designers alike!
Greetings Amazon reviewers..

Now that you've read the Microsoft commercial below from:
"Reviewer: A software user from Stratford, CT USA"
Who probably, "needs a kick in the pants!"

Here's the truth, this product has the capabilities for implementing a client / server database network easier than anything currently on the market! And the client / server capabilities are built in! And it doesn't matter if it's based on the PC OR the MAC. Further, once designed and implemented, will work seamlessly with both platforms on the network. Additionally, after extensive research for an insurance client that I just completed designing a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) for, it was BY FAR the least expensive alternative, ESPECIALLY relative to Microsoft. In addition, it has the lowest overhead (computing hardware/software requirements) relative to anything of its capabilities on the market. You can reference these system requirements (along with features) at their web site that really gives a good deal of information. Note these minimum requirements below that most systems/owners can easily handle these days:
(compare these minimum requirements to the latest version of Microsoft's Access or any other database for that matter)

PC
· Intel Compatible 90 MHz Pentium or higher
· 32 MB of RAM (or more)
· Windows 98, Me, NT4 (SP6), 2000, XP

Mac
· Power Mac or higher
· 32 MB of RAM
· OS 8.6 - 9.22

Mac OS X
· Apple G3 or higher
· 128 MB of RAM
· OS X 10.1

The client I was designing for had older PCs using Windows 98SE. Obviously, I used the PC version of the software, which is very similar to the Mac version. If I had decided to implement a Microsoft "solution" it would have involved upgrading not only the hardware but the operating systems too. Then, the cost of the Access copies (licenses) certainly doesn't come cheap either if you haven't compared lately. FoxPro didn't fair any better, SQL Server worse. Especially in a client <==> server design paradigm!

Bottom line, a fully customized relational database designed, developed and deployed on a network in record time with minimal cost to the owner (no new hardware or operating systems) and working from initial installation to this day with minimal database administration. FULLY compatible with either PC or MACs on the network and future operating system upgrades on either platform. Personally, I'm pleased and I know a business that is extremely happy. Win-win situation..

One thing I found rather nice is you can download a 30-day free trial of the basic Filemaker Pro software at their web site to see if it meets your needs - certainly a nice gesture. (filemaker.com)

Filemaker for productivity
We happen to develop Filemaker database systems for our customers. This product focuses on the productivity and you can in fact have a system working for you benefit in a couple of days. if you have a clear understanding of your bussines no matter what it is , Filemaker gives you the power to gather your data and transform it easily in information. You will soon be making better decisions and at the same time getting yourself in the process of improving your database. Only filemaker allows this. Another point is that Filemaker Customers are happy customers. They are in charge of their Bussineses informations system without having to rely in external , costly "access" consultants..... ... Read more

Features

• Create PDF files with the click of a button from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer
• Create a single Adobe PDF document from multiple sources, including portions of Web pages and previously combined Adobe PDF documents
• Easily attach source documents such as spreadsheets, multimedia files, images, and drawings to an Adobe PDF document
• Enable anyone with free Adobe Reader 7.0 software to use highlighter, sticky note, pen, and other commenting tools
• Protect documents with passwords, certificates, and other security controls

Features

• Create PDF files with the click of a button from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer
• Create a single Adobe PDF document from multiple sources, including portions of Web pages and previously combined Adobe PDF documents
• Easily attach source documents such as spreadsheets, multimedia files, images, and drawings to an Adobe PDF document
• Enable anyone with free Adobe Reader 7.0 software to use highlighter, sticky note, pen, and other commenting tools
• Protect documents with passwords, certificates, and other security controls

Features

• Create PDF files with the click of a button from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer
• Create a single Adobe PDF document from multiple sources, including portions of Web pages and previously combined Adobe PDF documents
• Easily attach source documents such as spreadsheets, multimedia files, images, and drawings to an Adobe PDF document
• Enable anyone with free Adobe Reader 7.0 software to use highlighter, sticky note, pen, and other commenting tools
• Protect documents with passwords, certificates, and other security controls

Features

• Runs on multiple operating systems, including Solaris OS, MS Windows, and Linux
• Simple, easy-to-use interface; contains full-featured applications
• Interoperable with many third-party formats like PDF and XML
• Easy export to PDF and Flash; increased MS Office compatibility; improved help and documentation
• Accessibility support for people with disabilities

Reviews (59)

So much +/- Half truths about this offering here!
Ok. Bottom line. I came here to save money on Buying StarOffice7 after running the Beta.

I cannot believe the half-truths in this thread. Please allow me to kill a few.

1) It needs Java. BS. It asks if you have Java installed which is only required on a few advanced features (mostly database).

2) Same a OpenOffice. BS. It is built ON OpenOffice which Sun supports. I have both options on my laptop (plus MS Word). StarOffice has things they license that is not in OpenOffice.
A (much) better spell checker (even that is not as good as MS Word), Thesarus, and a SQL database (like a real SQL not a user friendly Access database).

3) No Outlook. MS Office is not Outlook. Outlook is Outlook Eveolution = open source Outlook.

That aside, some heads up points.
Must purchase for each platform (Windows/Linux). Good news is I can buy one of each for multiple computers I use.

Slow startup compared to MS Office. Excellent File compatablity, and the comment about much smaller native file sizes is true. Gets very slow on REALLY HUGE (20MB+ documents).

Get your feet wet with OpenOffice (free). Move to StarOffice for saving $$ on licencing for many people who are power users and need the extra/better tool add-ins.

OpenOffice has no phone support. Active end-user community via email. Some decent 3rd party training starting to show up.

Keep legal on some MS Office seats to test complex documents against X-Office (star/open). I'll go away now and give my $ to Amazon. Best price out there.

A robust, stable software "office suite" product
Sun Microsystems may be a household name with its Java technology, but it is a rising star (pun intended) with this latest office productivity suite. It is *no* exaggeration to call this product a significant threat/true competitor to Microsoft's Office suite.

While most consumers won't need the included versions for Sun's industrial-strength Solaris (UNIX) operating system for SPARC and x86 processors, it is remarkable to see a single office product released on multiple platforms. I've used both the Windows and Linux versions since version 5.1 (when Sun acquired StarOffice's maker, Star Division of Germany). As with every release, the different platform versions are identical; there are no compatibility issues with the files, formats or usability, in my opinion.

Speaking of which, here's my general thoughts on the product. (Read other reviews for more technical analyses. Think of this as a basic overview.)

StarOffice 7.0 is stable, feature-rich, intuitive (even for previous/current Microsoft Office users) and cross-platform compatible. I can save in StarOffice's native file formats, or work with other formats, such as WordPerfect and Microsoft Office files. And the import/export functionality is clean; I don't have broken files to reformat/re-edit/fix to look right. An office suite is supposed to be your computer's Swiss Army knife. StarOffice 7.0 is finally mature enough to replace MS Office and Corel WordPerfect with its functionality. Read the POSITIVE reviews here about the product; the naysayers aren't justifying their dour comments very well.

As part of Sun's new Java Desktop System software initiative, Sun's StarOffice product is already being used by millions of users around the world. (Yes, millions!) Unlike IBM/Lotus's SmartSuite or Corel's WordPerfect office suites, StarOffice benefits from open source community participation/innovations via the www.OpenOffice.org project. (Yes, you can download a free version, branded "OpenOffice" sans database, clip art, dictionary, etc. if you wish. But support Sun and *buy* StarOffice here at Amazon.com so that it - and OpenOffice - can continue to grow and flourish.)

The only downsides which concerns me? 1.) No version for the Mac platform, which may be rectified by the open source version (OpenOffice) in the future. 2.) I would like to see Sun invest more in quality desktop/workspace icons for this product, too. 3.) Lackluster HTML authoring tools (if you're picky about such things). 4.) Enhancements to accomodate scriptwriters (users of Movie Magic Screenwriter, StoryView, and Dramatica Pro) and technical documentation (Adobe FrameMaker). Create add-ons which permit users to shift into other modes, depending on their needs. 5.) Create a version layer of the interface which *children* can use. In my experience, the numerous bells and whistles within the interface are too daunting for some kids. 6.) Where's the groupware functionality? 7.) Where's the Office/WordPerfect migration tools/wizards?

And #8, which Sun can't fix: Microsoft has no filters for opening StarOffice/OpenOffice files in Office itself (although you can save StarOffice files into native Office file formats, like .doc, .xls, etc. without any problems, which Office users can work with.)

Bottom line: Purchase StarOffice 7.0. It is a solid product for both home and business use. If you're an educational institution, contact Sun directly and get this product for your teachers, staff and students.

Compared to the expensive Microsoft Office suite products, StarOffice 7.0 matches rival MS Office for most beginner, intermediate and (some) advance users. And it's considerably less expensive, too. The five star rating is well-suited.

Greatly improved
StarOffice 7's usability has been imroved significantly over the prior versions.
As before, it runs on multiple platforms (which is essential for me).
No more crashes (the application can run for several weeks without restart
on my Solaris box).
User interface is improved as well: faster and more intuitive.
StarOffice has comes with same functionality as MS office (at a fraction of the cost)
and there are no problems with MS office interoperability!!

works fine
I use StarOffice every day without the slightest difficulty. Writer imports .doc files without any font problems (this is on Windows), Calc and Impress are fine as well. I'm very glad not to have to pay $500 - more than the price of a PC! - to Micro$oft.

I have to wonder about the legitimacy some of the reviews below. For instance, all those who give StarOffice one star and compare it unfavorably to OpenOffice. StarOffice is *based* on OpenOffice ... the look and feel and functionality are *identical*; StarOffice is just enhanced to do a better job of reading MS Office files. Makes no sense at all to love OpenOffice and give StarOffice one star. Methinks Bill's droids are trying to game the system.

Is zero stars possible
Absolutely the worst Office Suite I have ever used and purchased. If you want to be aggravated by non-working applications, errors coverting MS Office Docs, Excel spread-sheets and database-java script errors then this is for you.

For the rest of the user community use MS Office 2003, I purchased this and I am never considering anyother alternative. ... Read more

Features

• Learn Windows 98, Me, XP gives you a heads-up with the world's most popular operating system -- quick and easy lessons show you everything you need to know
• Learn Outlook 2000 & 2002 is designed to show you what Outlook can really do -- it's far more than just an email program and you'll just how much
• Learn The Internet will have you surfing the Web like a pro -- you'll even set up a stock portfolio online
• Learn Word 2000 & 2002 shows you the ins and outs of this popular word processor -- manipulate text, check for spelling, use the thesaurus and more
• In-depth, advanced learning options combined with step-by-step instructions -- you'll work in the actual program as you learn

Features

• Begin composing attractive, professional documents in no time at all with Word 97
• Compose spreadsheets that track your important financial numbers more easily with Excel
• Design attractive animated slideshows and make your business idea noticed with Powerpoint 97
• Create powerful databases for better information management with Access 97

Features

• Helps connect selling professionals with small businesses
• Easily access, organize, and manage contact details
• Time management tools; track sales opportunities
• Integrates with Palm OS and Pocket PC handhelds
• Easily share and synchronize contacts and calendars

Features

• Easily create Adobe PDF files—create PDF documents with one-button ease from Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Enjoy improved performance—with improved performance you can quickly convert, collect, and organize Adobe PDF documents.
• Assemble documents—create a single Adobe PDF file from multiple sources—including Web pages and e-mail—to deliver one professional document that anyone can open using free Adobe Reader 7.0 software.
• Protect sensitive and confidential documents—control documents inside and outside the firewall, online and offline.
• Enjoy improved attachment capabilities—easily attach source files such as spreadsheets and images to an Adobe PDF document.