Google Docs
| Application Info | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Docs |
| Icon: | 
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| URL: | http://docs.google.com |
| Type: | Document creation, editing, and sharing |
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Google Docs allows you to create, edit, and share online, collaborative documents in a variety of formats.
Contents |
General Information
Google Docs is designed to mimic traditional office applications but runs in a web interface. They utilize a variety of technologies (including javascript and AJAX) to make the online experience similar to a typical office application experience and utilize web-based technologies to support easy collaboration.
Technical Use
After logging in to your university Google account, use the top menu bar to navigate to Documents.
General
The main interface for using Google Docs serves as a launch point for creating, editing, and sharing documents of a variety of formats and is broken into four main areas. The left sidebar is a navigation tool for selecting folders for viewing. The middle, main content area lists files that you have created or otherwise have access to for viewing or editing purposes. The right sidebar displays information about a selected file. The top area can be used to search for files of a given name.
By using the star buttons next to a document, you can make a document a favorite, which can make it easier to find in the future.
Creating Documents and Uploading Files
When creating a new document, you can either create a new document from scratch, create a new document from a template, or upload a file to work on.
Create a New Document from Scratch
To create a new document from scratch, simply click on the Create new button in the left sidebar and select the document format you would like to create.
Create a New Document from a Template
To create a new document from a template (e.g. budget, invoice, letter, etc.), simply click on the Create new button in the left sidebar and select the From template... option. This will open a link with available templates from the university. Currently, there are no templates supplied by the university. However, you may browse public templates provided by Google by clicking on the Public Templates tab.
Upload a File
If you already have a file (e.g. Word document, Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint presentation, etc.), you may upload the file to Google Docs, and you will then be able to collaboratively edit and share it like any other Google Doc. To do this, simply click on the Upload... button in the left sidebar and follow the instructions provided, being sure to select the proper audience for the file (under Private).
It is important to note that although Google Docs can effectively replicate much of what desktop office applications generate, it cannot do everything. So, if you have, for instance, an advanced PowerPoint presentation with animations, transitions, embedded media, and so forth, you may have difficulty converting it to a Google Doc presentation with any level of fidelity to the original. As a rule, if you are creating a project from scratch, it is best to use the same tool throughout the duration of the project. So, if you anticipate needing to use Google Docs for collaboration, for instance, then it would probably be best to begin your project in Google Docs to begin with.
Sharing
Document Formats
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| Document | description |
| Presentation | desc |
| Spreadsheet | desc |
| Form | desc |
| Drawing | desc |
| Collection |
