Microsoft has found something to do with its famous Works program.  For years, Works has come bundled on basically every computer I’ve bought, and I’ve never really used it because I’ve always bought or installed MS Office.  I never bought it on its own, because I figured if I’m going to pay $50 for something, I may as well pay $100 or more and get the top of the line software suite. 

Microsoft, no doubt realizing this, has decided to do something different with Works.  In an attempt to stave off free programs like Google Docs and Open Office, they’ve launched a trial program to turn Works into an ad-supported piece of freeware that’s being released in limited quantites.  Wouldn’t it be great if you could get a built-in free office suite that works natively with MS Word?  Of course, Docs and Open Office can do that, but they’re far from built in. 

What say you?  Would you use Works if it was free, or would you still ignore it for an installation of an older version of MS Office?

Image:  HowStuffWorks