Thing 16

In the past I have used Google Docs in two ways. First, I used it as a way to create documents that I didn't have to carry around and could access from work or home. I found that sometimes I was without my flash-drives but not without internet access. The pitfalls here were compatibility between platforms (Mac vs. PC) and compatible years of the program. As long as I used a typical font, or command then everything transfered from using MS Word, Excel, or PowerPoint to Google Docs. Let me explain a little further, I was using the Docs to keep track of Microsoft documents created on 2 computers of different platforms. Often, I did not even use the Docs as stand alone programs but as a parking place when needed.

Most recently, I have been part of a large group that uses Google Docs as a way to communicate, create docs, up date a calendar, and send out group emails. Each member uses the same username and password to log on and access the account. Using the online program in this way, I can't tell who is on or who has been there unless someone changes a document or leaves an email. Email usage is interesting in this format too. All emails are not sent to the group. Often, emails are created and sent to the 'self' so that it is only there to be read by the participants.

Another way this online program is being used is in lieu of purchasing the costly Microsoft program for high school students. The only thing required for my high school age son's computer is access to the internet and a gmail account. Less for a parent to have to shell out and less cost in updates.

This type of online based program usage is something that my husband foresaw about 10 years ago. He even went so far as to suggest that at one point all programs would be online based where the consumer would not have to worry about having a copy on their own PC. Hum, well we are getting there.