Office 2007 should not be avoided unless you're a caveman. the XML format(.docx, .xlsx, etc) that is now used by Office 2007 is what will soon be the standard. In many settings it already is the standard. Office 2003 won't be able to open files created in Office 2007 by default. If you use Word for more than just personal type/print functions, you're going to need 07 eventually.

What is Open Office? Is it compatible with MS Office doc's?

http://www.openoffice.org

It's a free, open-source productivity suite that uses MS Office compatible file types. It's not as full featured as the MS version of course, but it's typically sufficient for the normal, everyday home user.

Might use that, i mainly need it right now for writing papers, doing some spreadsheets and writing resumes/cover letters. This program good enough for that?

Sure. Give it a try. It's not like it costs you anything. :thumb:

ROFL true...thanks

I agree with the 07 version being a lot faster to use once you get use to it.