Microsoft has announced that a free Beta version of its Office 2010 suite is now available to the public for download.

The latest package showcases a number of new features that the final version of Office 2010 will offer. In Office 2010 Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook have undergone a user interface change; it\'s now based on tabs rather than the traditional menu system we\'re familiar with.

Microsoft Word now offers a new backstage view which will replace the previous File menu system with a more structured and easy to use visual representation. For instance a sidebar with real time previews and basic photo and video editing tools has been included. Microsoft PowerPoint now features a new broadcast slideshow tool which allows your presentations to be shared to any connected PC via a one click interface.

The public Beta of Office 2010 is available in a 32-bit (684 MB) and 64-bit (750 MB) version. Microsoft plans to release Office 2010 in first half of next year.