Tip #81 - Google docs

100 Computer Tips in 100 Days

Tip #81 - Google docs

Google Docs is a versatile cloud-based service that features an array of office applications that compete with Microsoft Office. Since it is cloud-based there is nothing to download. All you need is a Google account which can be setup using any email address -- g-mail is not required. Once you lo

g on to your Google account, use the Drive option along the top left of the screen to access the Google docs area. Click the Create button to choose the type of document you would like to start. The new document opens in a new tab in your browser.

Your choices for a new document include word processing (Document), spreadsheet (Spreadsheet) slide presentation (Presentation), form (Form) and even a drawing tool (Drawing). The drawing tool enables you to quickly scribble a rough design for a new idea or build a flowchart using shapes and lines. You can insert these drawings into your documents, spreadsheets and presentations. The spreadsheet application features custom formatting for spreadsheets, charts and gadgets. The presentation program allows you to enable real-time viewing of presentations, online, from separate remote locations. You can also add images, slides and videos and embed your presentations in a website, which will provide them access to a wide audience.

But not only do you have a complete cloud-based office at your disposal, you can also upload your creations and share them with people online, using real time chat to communicate and collaborate back and forth. I recently invited a class to make changes to a document. The participants were able to see on the projected screen, all of the changes that were being made simultaneously by everyone in the room!

As you can see, Google docs gives Microsoft a real run for the money, and Google docs is FREE.  And this also works on iPads and other tablets, allowing you to use them to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations and email and share them – without turning on your laptop or computer.

Happy Computing!