By now the only viable option is docs.google.com or www.zoho.com (slower) - in other words there are no local apps yet which can edit word files. Another solution is to emulate a macintosh machine on the IT and install a microsoft office 4.2.1 package - but this won't open recent word docs, only reaches the word 97-98-2000 docs with the appropriate converters.
Abiword, when ready, will open and modify word docs - at present is in beta state but not ready yet for serious use.
Other rants like these on my blog (under my signature).