Mac users who want more options for word-processing and office tools can now turn to the latest OpenOffice port for the Mac. The OpenOffice.org 3 Beta, which can now run natively on the Mac is already available for download.

It also features the new Start Centre, new icons, among other things.

Aside from the tweaks in its UI, the OpenOffice.org also has improvements in its individual applications, such as a new solver component for the Calc and spreadsheet collaboration.

For those who aren't familiar with OpenOffice, it's an open-source alternative to the more popular Microsoft Office. It includes a word processor, spreadsheet, drawing application, among other programs, pretty much a more economical alternative to Microsoft's office suite.

Of course, since OpenOffice.org 3 for the Mac is still in beta phase, expect some bugs to pop up every now and then. If you want to help out in the OpenOffice project by reporting the bugs you encounter, or just plain want to use a free office suite, go right ahead and click the Via link download it.