Google Docs, what do you think?

[Computer Robot]

I just discovered google docs which gives you all the programs similar to Microsoft office and can save as excel, word docs or even OpenOffice format.
I presently use OpenOffice for all docs, spreadsheets, and was just wondering if anyone else has used google docs for any period of time and what their thoughts are on the program? Should I recommend it to friends and family as an alternative to microsoft/openoffice?

[NickCPC]

I tried it when it was first released, and it was quite impressive for a web-based office solution at the time. Haven't touched it for about 18 months though, so couldn't advise what it's like today, but in my environment Office is the way things are done. I actually quite like Office Web Apps, but then again I'm not really aware of the competition...

[Spaceboy]

I think it's impressive, but I don't trust google :ninja:

[Computer Robot]

I think it's impressive, but I don't trust google :ninja:

I dont totally, but I havent seen any sneaky adds yet and you can save files to your hdd as ms docs or openoffice format.

[Spaceboy]

Pretty sure, but could be wrong, that google reserve the right to automate a scan of all your docs for profiling / advertising / other purposes... same with gmail, they scan all your e-mail (automated process, no humans apparently) and then use the data for whatever it is google really do ;)

[Computer Robot]

Pretty sure, but could be wrong, that google reserve the right to automate a scan of all your docs for profiling / advertising / other purposes... same with gmail, they scan all your e-mail (automated process, no humans apparently) and then use the data for whatever it is google really do ;)

Good point, I wouldn't be a bit surprised.

[scottmac]

Pretty sure, but could be wrong, that google reserve the right to automate a scan of all your docs for profiling / advertising / other purposes... same with gmail, they scan all your e-mail (automated process, no humans apparently) and then use the data for whatever it is google really do ;)

This is why I would never use it all the time, but it is handy when an attachment needs a few comments adding, or just viewing. Saves the effort of downloading.

[NickCPC]

Then there's also the issue of what to do when you lose your internet connection... (you know there's going to be a line fault when you're doing something with a deadline which absolutely cannot be missed, and then you're in trouble.)

[Massimo]

I'm useing it for a few bits and have to say I love it, Uploaded a few excel docs from computer and it didnt mess anything up, and save loads of other bits there.

The only down side as stated above is if you have no connection to the internet BUT Google calender has an "offline" mode and I beligfe so does Docs :)

so that could help if you use the same computer

[Lorem-Ipsum]

I'm not a fan of cloud based comuting at all but I'll admit it has its pro's.