The second group of people are right, and they’re even more right now that we have an inexpensive, unobtrusive anti-virus program. It is called Intego VirusBarrier X5, and it costs $69 direct from the manufacturer. However... as of this moment, a 5-user pack, which normally costs $199, now costs $99. Half off, roughly speaking. It was a good deal when it was $199 for 5, a great deal at $99 for 5.
If Microsoft Word asks you to save the Normal Template every time you quit it that’s a sign of being infected. Get a copy of VirusBarrier and the problem will go away.
Note the USB connector on the end of the “syringe.”
Here’s a link to Intego’s store. Here’s a link to a 30-day free trial! Can’t beat that.