Features:

• Advanced word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and e-mail client and address book
• Expanded PDF creation
• Effortless file-sharing with Microsoft Office users
• Publish slide shows to the Web complete with animation
• Includes Paradox 10 relational database

Whether saying "no" to Microsoft's hegemony or recognizing Corel's tradition of sleek and powerful software, users choosing WordPerfect Office 2002 Professional Edition can take pride in their choice. The core suite includes WordPerfect 10, the Quattro Pro 10 spreadsheet program, Corel Presentations 10, the Paradox 10 database, and the CorelCENTRAL 10 personal information manager (PIM); each of these meets or exceeds the qualities of their competitors.

Accessories like the Pocket Oxford Dictionary and Corel's Application Recovery Manager make life easier for users and administrators alike. The advanced voice recognition software and microphone help eliminate the risk of repetitive stress and improve one's diction simultaneously (mumblers need not apply).

Pretty much every file type we've ever heard of can be imported and exported, so longtime users of other software should have a relatively seamless transition. The look and feel will be familiar to users of Microsoft Office, though quirks in hot keys, commands, and toolbars will take a few days to master. This might be the only reason not to switch from Microsoft--inertia can be difficult to overcome and novice users may resent learning new tools. However, the strengths, including Adobe PDF publishing, Microsoft's VBA scripting, Web compatibility, and networked file sharing, should convince most open-minded users to consider the merits of WordPerfect Office 2002

System requirements:

• Pentium 266 MHz processor
• Windows 98, 2000, NT 4.0 with SP6 or higher, or Me
• 64 MB RAM
• 260 MB hard disk space (380 MB typical install)
• CD-ROM drive
• 16-bit sound card or built-in audio input quality equal to or greater than Sound Blaster 16
• Speaker required for sound output
• VGA monitor
• Mouse or tablet