At our June meeting, Bob Van Lier’s topic was a demo of Google Apps. Little did he know that O’Reilly would be publishing a book in a few months on this very topic! Nancy Conner describes many of these apps (applications to the unfamiliar) in Google Apps: The Missing Manual ($39.99, O’Reilly, May, 2008, 711 pp.).
For many of us, Google is our favorite browser. It’s easy to navigate and search for topics. But for many others, Google offers many free apps to make our lives easier. Most of these are unfamiliar to the uninitiated. But Conner offers an inside look into many of these and how they can enrich our lives (and our pocketbooks!).
One of the most popular programs, for example, is Gmail (for Google, of course!). This is a free mail program that is extremely user friendly. Want to quickly create word processing files, spreadsheets and slideshow presentations? No, you don’t need to run out and buy Microsoft® Office for several hundred dollars. Just use Google apps and break free of Office.
Typical Apps
Here is just a sampling of Google apps that can work for you:
Google Docs – Word processing
Google Docs Spreadsheets - Spreadsheets
Google Docs Presentations – Presentations
Gmail – Mail app
Google Talk – Chat program
Google Calendar – Calendar (Look out iCal!)
iGoogle – Organize your Google apps on your own web page
What do all these programs have in common (besides being from Google) ? They all are web-based apps. In Conner’s easy to understand description:
“Simply put, they’re programs you access over the Internet. You point your Web browser to the place where the application lives online, and then work with it in the same way you’d work with program that lives on your computer.” How hard is that to understand?
She goes on to explain that Google’s online offerings can be fired up by your Web browser. Just point it to http://docs.google.com and sign up for a free account. It’s really that easy. This book, of course, will help you through the rough spots.
Web Based Apps
Why be Web-based? Conner has several reasons:
• Portability – You can use the app on any computer, not just your own
Mobility – Easy to use with mobile devices
• Collaboration Simple to share with other users
• Integration – Communicate with other apps such as Office
• Updates and bug fixes – No more updates since the version you’re on is the latest
Gadgets
One of the most unique Google apps is Gadgets. According to Conner, gadgets are “a mini-program that displays information and interacts with you.” Since they are small in size, they are easily configurable.
Conner shows you how to add them to your Web page and tweak them to your liking.
Although the price of the book is $39.99, ApplePickers members can get up to a 35% discount by using discount code DSUG when ordering directly from O’Reilly.
Ordering one book will get you 30% off, buy 2 or more will get you 35% off and any order over $29.99 will qualify for free shipping.
Conclusion
Although this book is not for everyone, users who want to actively take advantage of Google’s many apps will find this book immensely helpful. Where else would you learn how to create a wiki?
|
