Increase Productivity: Use Google Docs
This post is the start of a new feature called ‘Increase Productivity.’ If you haven’t already guessed, posts in this category will offer tips, programs, and advice on how to manage your life a little better. First up, we have an online program that’s been growing in popularity since it’s release: Google Docs.
Create a Google Account
First things first, you’re going to need a Google account. This will allow you to access all things Google with just one account including Gmail, Calendar, Reader, Photos, and so much more. Registration is quick, painless and of course, free. Having a single Google account will allow you to access anything you have saved to Google at any location in the world.
Microsoft Office? Never heard of it.
Google Docs has two distinct features: Documents and Spreadsheets.
The first feature, Documents, will allow you to use a web-based word processor for all of your document creation needs. Simply put, this is a basic Microsoft Word featured online. You can format text, add links or tables, and do a lot more. I’ve created a sample file showcasing some of Documents features. Click here for a sample. Finally, there is a revision tab which is a must have feature. Google will automatically save your work every few minutes and you can go back to review any previous changes made since the creation of the document. Viewing past revisions doesn’t alter the current revision either.
The latter program, Spreadsheets, will work as an acceptable substitute for Microsoft Excel. The only time I use it is to keep track of my online earnings (no, that document will not be showcased) and from what I can tell, it has everything a spreadsheet program would need. I really can’t offer that great of a testament, but if you have any experience with Spreadsheets, please leave a comment below.
Shared, stored, and always ready to go.
The beauty of it all is the online storage. Every document or spreadsheet you create will stored within Google’s databases. The files are always ready for retrieval no matter where you are. You can save a file from work and access the same file at home without the need of a flash drive or emailing the file. Online storage also prevents the risk of losing a file to a failing hard drive or a pesky virus.
I could go on and on about the awesomeness of Google, but I think you need to try it out to really feel its full potential.
Click here to get started with Google Docs.
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Google spreadsheets is pretty comparable to Excel. You can even use the same keyboard shortcuts! The best part is that you can save it online so you can access it anywhere.