Applications in Google Docs (documents, spreadsheets and presentations) are easy to use and are very similar to Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. The only main differences I could see were the aesthetics of the page layouts, which looked quite 'simple', as they didn't have the extra toolbars for advanced formatting and design like the said Microsoft products offer. Also, the number of fonts available for use are limited.
On the plus side, Google Docs has a larger range of templates than Microsoft have for creating resumes, cover letters, business plans, labels, photo albums, expense sheets and more. Each includes a sample image of what the templates will look like, a description about it, and it's intended audience.
I had a play around with Google Docs, but because I couldn't think up a document to produce, I have nothing to share or post to my blog... although I did learn how to do both.
The whole idea of being able to access documents from any computer, anywhere is a great idea, and is quite similar to the concept of the Library's Y-Drive. Being able to share documents is also really convenient- especially if a number of people are working on a group assignment / project and can't get together at the one time to contribute thoughts, ideas and suggestions on the issue being researched into.
Initially, I was worried about the sharing process, but learnt that as the author, it's up to you who you allow to view your work, or let collaborate with you.
Though in saying that, as the Google Docs program is stored on a server somewhere in cyberspace, so is your work... and it would be awful if for some reason your work was somehow made available in the public domain-- especially if it is of confidential nature!
As for whether Google Docs poses any competition to desktop office suits like Microsoft Office... I really don't think so! I believe users of products like Microsoft Word / Excel etc. are happy with it's functionality and offerings... and how many people would want their work (documents) stored on a cyberspace server?
I also wonder how many people know that Google Docs exist and what is offers? I had never heard of it myself until I had started the 23 Things program... so maybe Google need to promote this application more to alert computer users of it's existence.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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