This is cool!

I don't normally write about technology, but since I work at a technology consulting firm, it's only natural. So here's me branching out.

When you need to write without distractions, try Writer

If you use Word 2007 but find the ribbon interface too distracting, go on-line to Writer and step back in time to a distraction-free retro writing environment. You will see a black screen with green courier-font characters. Your work is automatically saved and you can download your document when done. It's free.

Or restore classic menus to Office 2007

While I think you should learn to use the Ribbon interface in Office 2007, it can take a while to master the new way of working in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. While you continue the learning process, don't lose productivity. There is a free download that will restore the pre-Office 2007 classic menu system. It is called Ubit. Fortunately, it doesn't replace the Ribbon, but only supplements it so you can quickly find what you need.