Joe -

Do we assume that you've noticed that Word in Office 2007 on Vista uses the document format .docx and not .doc? But if the file contains a macro it's a .docm. Similar changes for other Office programs, like Excel which uses a .xlsx format now.

If you have other older computers in the office, you do need to get to Office Update and get the import/export filters for the older Office versions, so that they'll be able to open files made in Office 2007. Vista Office 2007 will automatically import the older formats, and can export files in compatible formats, but the operator has to shift the gears and steer between the boulders to do it on purpose, if it's needed.

I'm still trying to find credible information about whether Office 2003 and before will run on Vista. (Someone asked up above.) I find hints, brags, lies, and evasions; but nothing actually says yes or no. Recent older versions should be able to run on Vista, but it would be nice to have them tell you before you spend your moneys.

I've also been unable to find a useful description of what's included in the new "Works" version that comes with basic Vista preloads. Early advertising made the claim that the word processor is "real Word" (unlike previous versions) but since the official release of Vista any "official" comment seems to have been replaced by cartoon advertisements with no factual content. Word 2007 is equipped to export to "Works .wps" format, which was used with older versions of Works; but I don't think that's what the WP in the latest Works uses, unless previously published info was another lie.

But I can report that after only 5 months I've stumbled onto a way to make the scroll wheel on my mouse work in Word 2007. The key was discovering that the mouse that Vista reported as being correctly installed and working doesn't exist, isn't connected, and in fact has never been on the same premises where my Vista machine has lived since I got it; and that the mouse I have is not shown in Sys Info or Control Panel. I'm amazed at that improvement in easy management!!!!!

With that last impediment now overcome, I'm so impressed that I may actually start trying to get some serious use out of my new Vista machine - say in about 6 months when I need the laptop at Festival, where don't often need to do anything very complex.

John