In case you turned off the Microsoft AutoUpdate feature on your Mac, be informed that there's a new version of MS Office 2004 ready for download. The file is around 59.5 MB and contains several improvements that will enhance the security and stability to your system.

Aside from the above mentioned, Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.5 also contains fixes for vulnerabilities that, when exploited by attackers, overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with various malicious codes. Online site Power Page noted as well the following additions:

• Corrects a bug that can increase the use of system resources when files or objects are dragged to an Office application windows
• A patch for Excel which would prompt the program to suddenly open workbooks or other files
• A patch to reduce PowerPoint's number of unexpected quits
• An update which improved responsiveness in Microsoft Entourage

The update should be used on Mac OS X 10.2.8 (Jaguar) or any other higher versions of Mac operating system. Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.5 applies to Office 2004 Standard Edition, Office 2004 Student and Teacher Edition, Office 2004 Professional Edition, Word 2004, Excel 2004, PowerPoint 2004, Entourage 2004.

The Read link below should take you to Microsoft's download page for the update.

Sightings of the Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard developer release build reports are trickling in and according to those who have seen it, the cool cat carries some very interesting performance numbers. The Leopard is said to be fundamentally superior to previous versions of Mac OS X. Among the features spotted were the MacLeopards user interface which has pushed the Aqua, Quartz and Finder technology further than the Jaguar and the Tiger.

Almost all "brushed metal" theme were reportedtly replaced with a sleeker, better-contrasting theme that bears some similarities to the appearance of the current Mail.app. However, several layers of the theme design and rendering engine changes create a remarkably high-resolution and a rich look. Reportedly, a quick first glance at the MacLeopard is enough to tell the user that "This OS is a big step forward."

Make that one big pounce forward.