FreeFile Review – Google Docs

Google docs is designed as a free MS Office alternative for small businesses. Is there anything for the home user? Let’s take a look.

The only requirements are a free Google account (if you have gmail, you already have one), a modern browser (Internet Explorer 6 need not apply) and an internet connection.

The three main applications are – word processor, spreadsheet and presentations. All three are stripped down with only basic functions. The apps reside on the web, run in your browser and all documents are automatically saved online. Google gives 1GB of free online storage – more than enough for most home users. The interface has Google’s typical bland design. There is also a drawing application that may interest some people.

All of the apps perform competently, but are rather disappointing because of their lack of advanced features. Google claims that they are compatible with MS Office formats, however, to edit Office docs they must be uploaded and converted. These extra steps are hoops that home users don’t want to jump through. Also, formatting often gets broken during the conversion process. I had a 2 column Word doc get turned into a long 1 column Google doc.

The bottom line is that most home users will find little to like about Google docs, although the 1GB of online storage could be very useful. The collaboration features that business users like are of little value to home users and I don’t think that most people are quite ready for cloud computing. A full featured suite is still preferred.
The best free one is still Open Office.

Find out more about Google docs HERE.

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