Google Docs Treasure Trove
The “Free” collection of online applications included with Google Docs provide a great introduction to the SaaS [ Software as a Service ] world. Word processing, spreadsheet or presentation documents can be created from within your web browser with an interface that has the familiar look and feel of popular desktop applications. All you need to access these services is an existing Google account and access from any web enabled computer.
Google recently added a variety templates for documents approximating the variety of your desktop applications. For word processing letterhead, resume, memo, business plan, project report, fax cover, invoice and business card templates are among your choices. Spreadsheet options include loan calculator, credit card payoff, invoice, debt manager, household expenses, budget planner, road trip, wedding budget, checkbook register, financial statement, bank account ledger and home equity comparison. The presentation package includes a variety of themes that depict nature, industry, high tech and interesting oddities like the colored pencils theme.
Upload Desktop Documents to Google Docs
Google Docs also gives you the option to upload existing desktop documents for use in your Google environment. Document types include html, text, Microsoft Word [.doc], Rich Text Format [.rtf], Open Document [.odt] and Star Office [.sxw]. Spreadsheet formats include Coma Separated Value [.csv], Microsoft Excel [.xls] and Open Document Spreadsheet [.ods]. Presentations are limited to Microsoft PowerPoint [.ppt, .pps]. You can also upload and share PDFs though you can’t edit them.
Collaborate Online
The biggest benefit to using Google Docs is the ability to invite other Google members to work on documents with you. Simply select a document, spreadsheet or presentation you’re working on, hit the “Share” menu icon and invite people as collaborators of viewers. Just type an email address in the text box provided and send. You can also empower the invitee to involve others or not, as you see fit. Google Docs saves revisions so you can examine the changes you or your collaborators have made.
Use Google Docs Offline
Google uses “Gears”, on open source browser extension, to add offline functionality to your browser. This allows you to view your documents, spreadsheets and presentations in the event an Internet connection is unavailable. You can also edit your text documents but not the others offline. You cannot create new documents with gears however.
Google continues to grow it’s Google Docs and Google Apps offerings. This post is just a brief introduction to what is available. To learn more visit Google Docs or visit the Google Docs Community on YouTube for an extensive collection of instructional videos. [wb_19]икони
