Google Docs - Have you tried it yet?
This blog entry was posted on: 28 August 2011.
Some visitors may already be aware of this excellent set of free productivity tools from Google. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to try them, it could easily transform the way you work with documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
Unlike software such as Microsoft Office or OpenOffice, Google Docs lets you save files “to the cloud” (i.e. in cyberspace), so they are accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection. And since the software is accessible via any Web browser (including mobile), it also means you have an office suite at your fingertips, without the need to install large applications. The end result is more hard disk space, better options to back up files, and the ability to read and convert files into specific formats.
The main tools available via Google Docs are:
1) Word processor.
2) Spreadsheet.
3) Presentation software.
4) Drawing.
5) Form/question and answer tool.
Although far less advanced than Microsoft Office or even OpenOffice, Google Docs is surprisingly powerful and able to handle the most common tasks. The majority of office suite users rarely use the advanced features available to them and Google Docs strips these back to the bare essentials.
The word processor is refreshingly familiar and resembles the simple, traditional style button layout commonly seen throughout the 90s. Even a spell checker is available, plus all the usual tools one would expect. The spreadsheet is also very easy to use and able to accommodate the vast majority of formulas, from basic to the more advanced. Unfortunately, the spreadsheet does not have the high-end features of Excel, but the vast majority of users will find it more than adequate for everyday use.
The presentation program, useful for creating slide shows is a stripped back version of Microsoft PowerPoint. It is more than capable of producing simple, attractive slideshows and ideal for personal or commercial use.
Aside from the aforementioned benefits, Docs includes a powerful search function, which searches file names and also inside documents, so you can easily locate files within seconds. Advanced sharing features within Google enable you to quickly share files with other Google users, or set up access permissions.
Before you purchase office software or even download a freeware suite, be sure to take a close look at Google Docs. We really like it, and think you will too!