Anyone planning to upgrade to Microsoft Office 2007 when Vista launches, better start planning now.

As background, a few years ago, a technology came along called XML (extensible markup language). Like a lot of tech efforts, it wasn't very visible, but has become a universal standard for many document types, and is an open file format capable of working on web pages, Java, etc.

So, in Office 2007, Microsoft is switching away from .doc, .xls, .ppt, etc. to XLML format because Microsoft's rigid file formats for Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint are not easily read by other programs. In essence, they are becoming legacy software, behind-the-times programs that can't move forward.

The drama will arise if people don't upgrade older format Office documents or move to web-based Office tools before XML becomes the norm.

Office 2007 will surely look different too, with transparent ribbons replacing the familiar pull-down menus we use today. Beta versions of Office 2007 are out. If you want a peek, here's a link...

Not everthing costs more today. Reaching customers is inexpensive if you use the web instead of printing and postage. There are times when print is the right choice but to stay in touch, maybe all you need is a quarterly e-mail newsletter.

The first rule is always to have something to say. Second, don't underestimate the influence of color. Color printing might be outside your budget but everyone has a color monitor now, so you can show off your products and services in full color. Make a positive statement and grow your business in 2007 with an e-newsletter.

Take a look at all the computers and monitors we saw at the SWANCC electronics recycling event at Motorola earlier this month. It's bad to see so much tech equipment being dumped, but it shows you the enormous effort required to keep harmful trash out of the environment.

They were also collecting computers and monitors for schools. I grew up with a pencil case and 3-ring binder, so I'm quite amazed at the minimum requirements today: a 600 MhZ computer, and a 17 inch color monitor.

Here are the photos I took at the event.

If you enjoy words, use Visual Thesaurus and get lost in the patterns and connections we make.

The graphical representation changes as you move from word to word, offering new connections to augment your ostensibly voluminous vocabulary.

1. Get ready for the holidays with online postage. Sign up at usps.com, where you can order stamps, calculate postage cost, print postage and labels for packages.

2. Don't get scammed: The FBI is recommending this site: http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com. Complaints may also be filed at http://www.ftc.gov.

3. If you've sworn off pre-tech paper calendars but aren't reliably checking your electronic calendar, maybe you need a reminder service. Bigdates.com will send you reminders via cell phone or email for an unlimited number of appointments and big days a month in advance. The first three months are free; after that it’s only $5.95 a year.

4. When you come across a new word, like: obsequious, turn to dictionary.com for a straightforward definition.

5. Visit Microsoft's home of the future by video. It's not open to the public yet, just for the company's employees and customers to tour by appointment. But you can check out the video.

Have a fun Halloween.

Remember, you can post computer questions for the wizard on the forum at my site, www.cclarity.com.

Helen Gallagher

Phone: 847-998-6240, www.cclarity.com

Feel free to forward this issue of Computer Clarity's monthly e-newsletter to your friends, or invite them to subscribe on my site at www.cclarity.com. There's no charge.