LORD LIGHTNING  You almost certainly will have to download the full app and install from that. Typically, multimillion dollar Microsoft can't even use the Sparkle update system that little backroom and home garage software developers use without a hitch.

Every time Microsoft do anything they start by shooting themselves in the foot.

Guys, I am already a customer. Why do you go to so much trouble to make me take my business elsewhere?

Most of my professional colleagues are now using Open Office etc and Nisus and Pages. When Apple get Pages to the point where it can translate and parse code properly so that I can export and import to other apps then I will simply slip silently out of the Microsoft customer base.

Think on it Microsoft. Get the rod out of your back - loosen up and get with the program.

This should work before you release it.

No stars at all.  
(Version 12.1.9)

VALENTINIAN  Why is it that every update includes "fixes for vulnerabilities that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory"? How many buffer overflows can you have in a single office suite?

Where are the real release notes?  
(Version 12.1.7)

ERIC WOEHLER  If you get the message that "No version of the software found on volume", due to having removed all the megabytes of language files etc, you can still get the installer to run.

1. Download the update from MS and save the updater on yr desktop - you will be modifying the file, so need to be able to edit and save it

2. Right click on the Updater and click "Show Package Contents".

3. Navigate to Contents -> Resources. You need to modify the script: package_updatable.

4. Remove these lines using Text Edit or BBEdit or similar:

if not found_valid_version:

sys.exit(48)

Save these changes to the Updater then close. Now it will update.  
(Version 12.1.3)

ESPIRIDION  The update went smoothly, and this time Microsoft Auto Update detected and downloaded the newer version.

Given AWADO's comments, I immediately tested drag and drop. I don't recall Word crashing in the past when dragging and dropping text, and I'm happy to say that the latest version did not crash at all. I even dragged text across different documents with positive results.

I have not checked how my documents look on a PC, but Office offers various options easily accessible via the Toolbox, and one option is the Compatibility Report. Users can select to check for compatibility with various versions of Mac and Windows versions of Word. This feature can also be accessed when saving a document.

I was also curious about ERIC WOEHLER's negative comments and multiple 1-star ratings within a month. According to Eric himself, "the fault was a font with two copies in two different libraries." (From his review of Font Doctor). For some reason he did not update his comments here.

It's easy to criticize Microsoft and call them M$ and Windoze, yet one of the advantages of today's Macs resides in their ability to run Windows. Maybe in the future there won't even be a Mac version of their software.

Microsoft was among the first software developers for the Apple computer, and Bill Gates invested millions in Apple. Other than the absence of VBA in Office 2008 I'm quite happy with the software.

As a side note, the only iWork application I prefer over Office is Keynote. Apple did a great job on that one.  
(Version 12.2.3)

COCOANUT  I've been using Office for a decade and I love it. It's full featured, elegant and beautifully designed software that blows away iWork in usability and features. Entourage is especially a pleasure to use.

People's needs are different so I suppose iWork could suffice for many but when you move up you'll move up to Office.  
(Version 12.2.3)

KAWAII  Great update, 100% reliable, no crashes, very fast launch of Office applications, slight memory reduction as well.

Office 2008 when it was first launched was very rough around the edges, SP1 improved things but SP2 has finally got Office 2008 to a reasonable standard that is comparable to their Windows product.

The main reasons why I avoid iWork is the lack of bibliography function built in and just basic features like auto-saving and crash recovery. Until Apple get their act together, Microsoft Office is the only option for those who do university papers.  
(Version 12.2)

ARCHMISSION  Wait until you try talking with Tech Support. All they do is say that the bug is a feature and that you are responsible for everything! After dealing with Microsoft's Tech support, I was reminded how great a company Apple is. They were the most helpful and it is free. FYI, when you register your software (if it does register) it is not for anything other than 2 free phone calls from them. That was explained quite clearly to me. They explained that they did not show that I owned and registered their software since Office 98 or that if you lose your previous upgrade disk, they cannot replace it. It is your responsibility. I asked why do I register the software? 2 free phone calls. Yes, that was the answer! $399.95 and all you get is 2 free calls. That does not even include the $239.95 upgrade disk cost. iWorks, $79 and you get the full program every time. What has a better value? Microsoft is a company first, customer last type of company.

Now I am reminded why I am a Mac fanboy. I love customer first companies!  
(Version 12.1.9)

ESPIRIDION  Automatic update does not install the update.

Download this update manually and then run the installer.  
(Version 12.1.9)

ESPIRIDION  AutoUpdate identified the new version and the upgrade went smoothly.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-009.mspx  
(Version 12.1.7)

PEDROL  One of the things that I didn't like about MS Office 2008 for Mac was that it took forever to load and open documents or just oppening the application to create new ones!

It could be just a "placebo effect", but this 12.1.5 update seems to fasten things up quite a bit!

Anyone noticing the same improved behaviour speed?  
(Version 12.1.5)