Not so much compatibility as capability. Works is a nice little program that
does simple things well. It does not include all the functions of Office. If
you have Works Suite, then you have a full version of Word but nothing
comparable to Excel. If you are used to using Word and Excel, you will want
to get Office. It can peacefully coexist with Works provided you don't have
Works installed as part of Works Suite. If you do, uninstall it before
installing Office; otherwise Office won't install Word over the existing
version, and you'll end up with Office components that require different CD
keys for reinstallation or modification.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site: http://word.mvps.org
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"cdusty" wrote in message
...
I have always used Word and Excel. The laptop I am considering only comes
with Works. What is the difference - is there a compatability issue
between
the two? I do a tremendous amount of word processing and do not want
something that is going to cause problems.