In previous versions, this was known as the PERT chart. The Network Diagram view is a quick way to graphically visualize your project and directly create or edit tasks and task dependencies. Double clicking on a task box gives you access to a tabbed dialog box with all the pertinent information about that task. Clicking on a task date pops up a handy calendar for those of us who are date- challenged. There s also a whole host of other enhancements for defining custom hierarchical structures, calculating material resources, monitoring resource availability and establishing task and project priorities.
Project comes with a printed manual and extensive online help.
I found the online help a little easier to navigate by using the search function. There is no doubt that Microsoft Project will hang on to its place as the favored project management tool for many government agencies. As to whether you should upgrade to the newest version, that will depend on your need for the new features like the Project Central Server. If you need collaboration in your project management, you will definitely want to take a close look at Project 2000.