Does the newest Mac still work with ten year old software?

Super basic question from a completely techno-illiterate user.
I'm getting a latest greatest laptop in the next couple days. The last Mac I bought was a PowerBook G4 which is currently running 10.4.10.
Does the latest operating system (sorry I don't know the new names or version numbers) still permit all the usual software I've been using for a long while ... my old MS Office software and such? Or is the latest version some new breakthrough again (like OS9 to OSX) that requires buying new software again.
Sorry for the idiot question. My last Mac is ten years old and I don't focus on technology at all. I just use the thing for basic chores and features and to browse the web.
Short version: I don't have to re-buy a bunch of software again if I get a new Mac, do I...? All my old software that worked under OS 10.4.10 will still work under the newest operating system?
-JOHN

Your old software may or may not run. Depends on each application. Unfortunately, just because an app runs on a G4 with OS X 10.4.11 does not mean it will automatically run on Snow Leopard (10.6.x).
You will need to check with each vendor; hopefully you don't have too many to check. If you can post a (hopefully short) list of the apps you have, and their version numbers, people here can probably tell you what will be ok or not on your new Mac.
Regarding MS Office, I would not try to install or run the original Office X on a new, Snow Leopard Mac. Office Mac 2004 may run ok, but if you have to upgrade, get Office Mac 2008. If you buy Office 2008 now, you can get a free upgrade to Office 2011 when it comes out around the end of the year.

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