Works Suite 2006 comprises six products: Works 8, Word 2002, Encarta 2005, Digital Image 2006, AutoRoute Essentials 2006 and Money 2006. There are smaller extras, too, such as Pocket Streets for Pocket PC and Smartphone. Those version numbers on Works' components are important, as Word and Encarta are not the latest versions and Works 8 was the core of Works Suite 2005 as well as this new product.

The inclusion of Word 2002 as the word processor in Works Suite was a very clever move some years back and is an inexpensive way to get hold of what is still the most comprehensive word juggler around. Although the 2002 version isn't the latest, it is compatible with versions of Windows before XP, which Word 2003 isn't. It includes all the big-boy functions like tables, outlining, indexing and VBA-based macros, which Works' own word processor doesn't.

The rest of Works is a well-designed integrated suite, with a flat file database, a simple but effective spreadsheet and an organiser. While these applications are not as sophisticated as their Office counterparts, they're more than adequate for most home and home office duties.

The real strength of Works, though, is its set of task-based templates. Think of a task you'd like to perform, like researching your family history or coaching a sports team, and the chances are there's a Works template for it.

Of the other applications, Money is probably the most popular in the home. As well as managing your accounts, it has a heavy online bias and is a good way of quoting on insurance and checking your mortgage payments. All the share portfolio facilities are still there, too.

AutoRoute 2006 now covers 27 different countries, so you can plot routes over most of Western Europe. While there are free route planners on the Internet, none is as comprehensive, nor as quick. There's a lot of detail on British and European places of interest in the new version, too.

Encarta 2006 has had an interface make-over and is still the best source of multimedia content in any electronic reference. It's easy to navigate and includes links to related materials not provided by Microsoft, so has a wider compass. It's content is often more erudite than in earlier editions, too, with articles referenced to their authors and their authors' credentials and bibliographies on display.

The only wholly new application in the suite is Digital Image 2006, a product crying out for an interesting name. This is a photo manager and basic photo editor which automates many of the changes needed to enhance digital photos. It's no Photoshop, not even a Photoshop Elements, but may still be all that many home photographers need. It's very easy to use and a great way of organising your shots.

Works 2006 is the ideal bundle for a new family or home office PC. With a heavyweight word processor and best-selling home accounts, encyclopaedia and route planning software, you get a huge amount for a modest outlay. As an upgrade to Works Suite 2005, though, things aren't as clear cut. Neither of its core applications offers anything new.