Google Docs
I hope all of you know about the famous Google search engine, but did you know there is a complete suite of Google products that are available for the everyday user? These products include gmail (an online email application), Google docs and spreadsheets, Google maps, Google calendar and Google talk just to name a few. In the past few years Google has also bought out successful web companies such as YouTube and Picasa to add to their suite of products. Check out the full list of Google products and services.
In the last few years, there have been many reports that Google has become the new microsoft. Even if this is the case, Google is offering web based applications at a minimal cost to the user (usually only exposure to some advertisements) and the new generation is utilising these applications more and more everyday. This week's task will introduce you to some Google applications including Google Maps, Google Docs and Spreadsheets and Google Book Search. Next week you will be able to join these applications together on your new iGoogle homepage.
One major benefit to web-based applications is that they eliminate the need to worry about different software versions or file types as you email documents or move from PC to PC. Another bonus is that they easily accommodate collaboration by allowing multiple users to edit the same file (with versioning) and provide users the ability to easily save and convert documents as multiple file types (including HTML and pdf). And, you can even use many of these tools, such as Zoho Writer and Google Docs (Formerly known as Writely) to author and publish posts to your blog.
Itís this type of integration with other Web 2.0 tools that also makes web-based apps so appealing. For this discovery exercise, you are asked to take a look at a web-based word processing tool called Google Docs, create a simple document and then post about your discoveries in your blog.
Update your blog!
Use your already created Google account to setup Google Docs. Create a test document or two either from scratch or using the templates provided.
What do you think about Google Docs?
Google Maps
Go to Google Maps Australia and search for some places; your home, place of work, favourite bakery etc. Get directions from your home to your work.
Update your blog!
What did you think of Google maps?
Google Books
Check out Google Book Search
Update your blog!
Search for your favourite book.
Is it available?
Would you use Google Books at home?
Would you use Google Books at work?
