Google & Its Perks

Google Docs is a free Web-based application in which documents and spreadsheets can be created, edited and stored online. Essentially, it is an alternative to using Microsoft word but in my opinion, it is the most useful web- based application. You simply make a Google account and you are free to create any document or file. These files you store can be accessed from any computer connected to the internet. Cell phones and tablet can also be used to access your Google Docs account. All you have to do is download the app on your phone, login to your account and you drive can be accessed. The big perk of Google Docs is that your work is automatically saving as you are creating it. You do not have to click “save as” or worry about your computer glitching and everything deleting. Your data is already on the google drive without manually doing it. Before I came across Google Docs I used Microsoft Word and although, this is also a great tool, there was many times my work would delete or my computer would glitch. Hours worth of work would get deleted within seconds and clearly, this was very frustrating. As a busy college student, it is very convenient to have Google Docs at the tips of my fingers no matter where I go. It is also very convenient that Google Docs is completely free! There is no charge whatsoever.  After reading, How I learned to say, 'Hi, Google Docs; bye, MS Word' by Charles Cooper I now know that google drive automatically downloads software. You don’t get any notifications asking if you want to update your account. As a Google Docs user, it is odd that I never pointed this perk out myself. I’ve become so accustomed to this software that I fail to recognize all its cool features that many other softwares don’t have.

Although, I am an active Google Docs user, there are many tools that I did not know about until reading Top 5: Tips for getting the most out of Google Docs - TechRepublic. This article gives very useful tips that are not easily identified by Google Docs. Personally, I use Google Docs because it is easily accessible, simple to use and very reliable. I never knew that you could use Google Docs to edit PDF's and other files. All you have to do is go to settings, and check the box that says "Convert uploaded files to Google Docs editor format." You can also use the web as your clipboard with this software. Need to copy a piece of text from one device to another? Go to edit, then web clipboard, then copy selection to web clipboard. After completing this step you can use it in other docs, slides and drawings. Another tip I found very useful was to use the desktop version from a mobile browser for easier file sharing. As stated by Charles Cooper, "The mobile app on iOS only allows file sharing to an email address. If you need a link to share, you can request the desktop version of the Google Docs website from a mobile browser. Then you can get a link to share the way you would on your laptop. Charles cooper concluded his article by stating, "Congratulations. You are now a Google Docs power user." After reading this article I truly feel like I know many more useful tips about Google Docs. As a full time college student, it is very important that I know everything about this software in order to help me with assignments in the future.

As a college student, it is extremely necessary to have the most knowledge possible when it comes to the internet. College is revolved around technology now. Wether its writing papers, submitting homework virtually, making blogs, or taking full courses online, technology is prevalent and always used. To help me get the most out of different softwares I decided it was necessary to read the power point slide 31 Ways to Use G+ in Higher Education. This slide gives multiple different tools on how to use Google + to your advantage. Specifically, it gives information on Google + Tools, Google + Faculty, Google + Administration & Staff and Google + College Students. For me personally, Google + for College Students is the most useful. I learned that you can create circles for groups, ( I would use this specifically for classes) hold meetings with up to 10 video chat members, use messenger when your on the go and create a Google + page to promote your student group. These tips will be utilized to help me get the best out of google while I am a full time college student!

As you can see, Google, as a whole is a very useful software. It is known as the #1 website on the internet used as a search engine. Google has many perks to it. It is essential to do your research and find out all the useful tools Google provides. Personally, I find it very interesting that you can type your name in on the Google search bar and pictures of yourself will come up. When I type in my name my twitter comes up and different articles that I was in when I played softball. Although, this is neat it is also something to keep in mind when posting on the internet or making decisions in general. As explained in Light, Bright, & Polite by Josh Ochs, Google is an easy way for anyone to search you at anytime. You want to make sure that you are represented in a good way by the internet, not vice versa. In the second chapter of this book Josh Ochs explains how important it is to stay in control of the information you put out about yourself online. Although, you cannot change how other people react to things online and how they act in general, you have the power to prevent a negative representation of yourself. You must be smart about what you post and keep in my that in this digital world, one click of a button can change everything. Josh Ochs goes in depth about the negativity he has encountered online and how he's dealt with it. Although, at times its hard to refrain it is important to respond to others in a mature way. At the end of the day this will only make you look better and protect your "name".