Office 2007 is a milestone because Microsoft has introduced a new file format for the first time since Office 97. This could present problems if you are sent a file in the new format but do not have Office 2007 yourself.

The answer is this compatibility pack. It is compatible with Office 2000, XP and 2003. Not only does it make it possible to open documents created in the new format but you can then save documents as well.

Installation is simple and no special steps are needed to open the files; simply double-click on them as you would with any other file.