I would prefer Primavera above Microsoft project if you have the option. Far better control and scheduling options.
Your question if you can use MSP depends on the type of project . MSP2000 can work fine if you don't want any complex histograms / s-curves or early and late start calculations on your network logic. MSP will give you basic options and has a major drawback that you can only make 1 relation between 2 activities. Therefore no combination of SS and FF activities are allowed (often used for longer / overlapping act.'s).
Maybe this helps you a bit in the choice.
U can use the others too, but no more than 1 relation between 2 activities.
So the relation between act.A en act.B can be either one of FS,SS,FF,or SF but not SS and FF.
In a true forward&backward network analysis to determine Early and Late dates this would result in open ends on the activity , if only SS ( open finish ) or only FF (open start) was used. The combination of SS and FF ( possible in P3) will prevent this.
I would have to agree with Hanp regarding Primavera as a project management tool (not just planning), except that the cost is so much greater.
You could also look at Suretrak, the 'baby' version of Primavera, which hasn't the same extensive learning curve and gives lots of the Primavera benefits at similar price to MS Project.
Regards,
Rentaplan