Microsoft Visio Professional 2002

I'm pretty fast at working out how to use new programs, and, since this was a Microsoft one and I'm used to Office, I worked out quickly how to use it. However, I found it tedious to use, especially for such a simple chart. I ended up opening Word and just doing the chart up in there instead, since it was a lot faster.

If you're doing up a lot of complex charts, then this sounds like the program for you. But if you're only doing up simple charts, stick with MS Word and don't spend your money on this. I know I won't be using it again.


A Great Tool   January 21, 2002
Craig L. Howe (Darien, CT United States)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I have owned this version for two weeks. To date, I have only used the tool to create an organizational chart and to map databases and websites. The results are spectacular.
The diagrams were precise and detailed.

Although I am a first time user, the intuitive drawing tools allowed me to concentrate on my work, not the program. Being a part of the XP family helped. With the familiar Office tool bar, it was a no-brainer for me to orient myself to the product and its feature. It is easy to create diagrams and export them to or from other products in the XP office suite or to the internet in XML.

In my mind the activation argument is over-blown. Microsoft is entitled to piracy protection. The only information the user is required to submit during the process is the country of origin. The program's graphics, enhanced text and color options more than make up for this inconvenience.

There is not a better single source documentation tool on the market.


A True solution for Visual Communication   June 3, 2003
Andre Da Costa (Jamaica W.I.)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I recently upgraded to this new version of Visio and I'm very much pleased with its intuitive user interface that provides an array of tools for presenting information visually. Whether its an Office layout or computer network, Visio 2002, bridges the gap when it comes to defining how data is understood and interpreted in different scenarios. The update to this application has adapted most of the common elements of Microsoft Office, which makes it very easy to learn and share among other Office applications. Integration with Word and PowerPoint is flawless. The shapes are many and satisfactory to build that particular diagram. Simple drag and drop adds to the simplicity of the program. Visio 2002 does have some drawbacks though, this includes the consistency in terms of the components of the application with other Office applications. For instance, the WordArt gallery is actually the old type and not the new one with the more inviting colourful WordArt you are probably accustomed to using in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint. The application still needs to improve on how the user can manuvre connectors if they are building networks. Visio 2002 Professional is very flexible, I even use it to create flyers and time lines that are usually used in Project management. It provides a comprehensive set of tools to make diagraming an essential tool in most IT work spaces, for the average user though forking out the amount for this product may not be recommended, but with the array of tools it provides, it is truly a solution for any organization.