Microsoft (affectionately known around here as "Microsuck") has finally released the next generation of Microsoft Office for Mac after a long wait (the last big update was in 2004). For those of you who still use Office, this should handle issues with DocX files and PDF files, among other things, that people have been having when trying to do use files made in the latest Office for windows in Office for Mac 2004.

Of course, if you are like the rest of us, why use Office at all? I have Office 2004 and rarely use it. Instead I use Google Docs and Neo Office, two free solutions that seem to do the trick just as well, if not better, than Office. A good friend swears by OpenOffice.

Maybe Microsoft took so long that it is finally time to jump ship for an Open Source solution in your office. Why not? The popularity of Open Source apps are growing - even governments like the Netherlands are getting in on the act, switching their government offices to Open Source solutions as their preferred choice.

One argument people make against Open Source solutions is that they believe it doesn't offer a complete set of functions. That is untrue - Open Source solutions offer a fully functional software experience. The main difference is in warranty and support.

Because is Microsoft and other proprietary software companies do not share their code and charge for their software, the software comes with a certain amount of support (not much, but some) and a guarantee it will work or they will replace it. Open Source software is based on shared, open code that anyone can take and use, and is free. This means that you don't get the support and coddling of a company.

Fortunately, enough people use Open Source that there is always someone around to help you if you need it in your circle of colleagues and friends. Also, Open Source software products like Open Office are relatively simple to install, just like Microsoft products. Plus, a free (not Open Source) product like Google Docs requires no downloading at all - just use it right in your internet browser.

All in all I'd say there is no need to pay hard cash for an expensive product like Microsoft Office when a solution is available for free, but I'm biased. I think Apple does it better anyway, and that even using their new iWork suite would be better than Microsoft if you feel the need for the support that comes with proprietary software.