Windows/Linux (Firefox): Microsoft, through its open-source hosting site (yes, that really exists), has released a plug-in and extension set for Windows and Linux versions of Firefox that can open Office 2007 files natively. While there are certainly many work-arounds for those encountering the newer, won't-open-in-older-Office-suite .DOCX files, including using Google tools, converting by email, and others, Linux users in particular may find using Firefox a lot more handy. Both flavors require installing a plug-in and then adding the Firefox extension, and may also require tweaking Firefox's application settings. The OpenXML Document Viewer is a free download, works for Firefox on Windows and Linux. OpenXML Document Viewer

Windows only: If you still have trouble getting to the functions you need in Office 2007's Ribbon interface, give Microsoft's new experimental Search Commands add-in a try. Search Commands adds a tab and search box to the ribbon that finds buttons as you type into it. After the jump, see a screenshot of Search Commands in action.

Whether you love or hate Microsoft Office 2007's new ribbon interface, everyone can see that it's pretty dang big. To maximise your workspace, you can minimise the ribbon—and the How-To Geek has the details. Just right-click on the ribbon and choose "Minimize the Ribbon." Then to get to a button you need, hover over one of the ribbon tab names.
Maximize Space by "Auto-Hiding" the Ribbon in Office 2007