Microsoft Project 2002

Quickly and easily create and manage project plans with the new Project Guide. Step-by-step interactive instructions walk users through the key areas of their projects--tasks, resources, tracking, and reporting--so they can be productive immediately. In addition, the Project Guide can be customized to effectively promote an organization's best practices from within the application.

New wizards have been added to reduce time and complexity in setting up projects, while smart tag indicators give users feedback when they make certain changes to their project plans, especially those that may affect scheduling. In addition, the familiar Microsoft Office XP interface--complete with informative task panes and adaptive pull-down menus--makes learning and using Microsoft Project more intuitive than ever.

As a new user, I can offer only minimal comments on the project management aspects of the software; seems to work fine for me, allowing me to plot out my development activities over the next few months, and allocate resources (and time) to those efforts. The interface is intuitive, and I was developing my project list within minutes after installation.


Powerful program, but nasty to learn   September 18, 2002
 49 out of 51 found this review helpful

I got a trial by fire, or rather, immersion, in this software. I got a copy at work and had to immediately set up a project. Oh, the pain, the pain.

This software has just about everything you could ever need to set up a project, including GANTT charts, PERT charts and schedules. Project set-up parameters such as identifing objectives, scope, stakeholders, costs, resources, risks, etc. are available.

What this software won't teach you is how to use MS Project 2002 to fullest advantage. For that, there are text books, courses, computer-based trainings. If you intend to reap the full benefits of this powerful package, you need some kind of intensive tutorial. The good news is that there is so much power here that you will be likely to grow into the software and find more and more things you can do with it. But the beginning can be rough going.

In summary, a lot of software power for the money, but to fully use that power, you'll need some kind of guide or course.


A great program but not for the average user.   May 5, 2002
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I have had the privilege of using this product and to be honest, it is truly amazing. With a very concise, easy to use and intuitive interface, MS Project is the number solution for any large company. What Project does is to organise how events in your company is scheduled, example if your releasing a product or scheduling how workers operate in your organisation. About the easy to learn part, compared to other project managament software MS Project hands down is the easiest, with the usual Microsoft Office interface, your on way to learning this product. You might have to go to some lesson classes in Project management first, because this product is not for the ordinary user, it for big businesses that need to have their company on time and in order. The price is a little bit scary, but if you are a company that has to always be prepared I recommend it. If you have just purchased version 2000, please wait two to three years, spending $300 to $600 is not a nice thing to do. This version is even more integrated with web services, so for those companies that have Intranets good opportunity to purchase. Project 95 and 98 users, this is recommended upgrade. For the average user who wants a scheduling program, buy Microsoft Outlook.


A great program but not for the average user.   May 4, 2002
 25 out of 33 found this review helpful

I have had the privilege of using this product and to be honest, it is truly amazing. With a very concise, easy to use and intuitive interface, MS Project is the number one solution for big businesses. What Project does is to organise how events in your company is scheduled, example if your releasing a product or scheduling how workers operate in your organisation. About the easy to learn part, compared to other project managament software MS Project hands down is the easiest, with the usual Microsoft Office interface, your on way to learning this product. You might have to go to some lesson classes in Project management first, because this product is not for the ordinary user, it for big businesses that need to have their company on time and in order. The price is a little bit scary, but if you are a company that has to always be prepared I recommend it. This version is even more integrated with web services, so for those companies that have Intranets good opportunity to purchase. For the average user who wants a scheduling program, buy Microsoft Outlook.