Creating and Storing Online Documents
An Introduction to Google Docs
Slideshow created by Boise Public Library using Google Docs.
March 2010
What Is Google Docs?
Google Docs is a free, Web-based word processor,
spreadsheet, presentation, form, and data storage service
offered by Google. It allows users to create and edit
documents online while collaborating in real-time with other
users.
The service includes free storage of any files up to 1GB
each in size (as of January 13, 2010) and provides users
to add storage space - shared between Google Docs and
Gmail - for a yearly fee.
Google Docs in Plain English
Video taken from YouTube
How Does Google Docs Work?
Google Docs uses a technology called "cloud computing"
which hosts all of the necessary software on Google's
servers. This allows users to edit files on the server;
eliminating the need to have software installed on the
computer.
Google Docs can be used on any computer connected to
the Internet regardless of operating system (Windows,
Macintosh, Linux, etc.).
What Can Google Docs Do?
Google Docs allows you to create three types of files:
1. Word processing documents (similar to MS Word)
2. Spreadsheets (similar to MS Excel)
3. Presentations (similar to MS Powerpoint)
4. Forms (create an online survey)
All files are created using the computer's Internet browser.
The applications are not as robust as full versions of the
software but most of the important and frequently used
functionalities are available.
• Create, save and access your files
from any Internet-connected
computer.
• Free online storage of any type of
file.
• Download files in different formats
(.txt, .doc, .pdf, etc.).
• Share your documents for group
work.
• Work without the skepticism of data
loss.
• Can be used on any computer
regardless of operating system.
How To Get a Google Docs Account?
A Google Account provides access both to Gmail and Google Docs as well
as the other free programs offered through Google.
1. Go to http://docs.google.com
2. If you already have a Google account type in your email and password to
sign in. Otherwise click on the Get Started button to sign up with
Google.
3. Fill in all of the required form fields to sign up for the account, read
through the Terms of Service, and click on I Accept. Create My
Account.
4. You will need to verify your email address you used to create the
account by signing into it and clicking on the link that Google Docs sends
you.
Create a New Document
1. Click on New on the Menu bar and select which type
of file you would like to create. For the purposes of this
tutorial we will be using the Document option.
2. Google Docs will open a new window that will allow
you to create a word processed document.
Save or Rename a File
1. In order to save your document you just need to click on
the Save button. (You can also use the Save and Close
button if you are finished working with the document.)
2. You can also chose File on the Menu bar and then
Save. In either case it will save the file using the text at
the top of the document as the file name.
3. If you would like to rename your file you can go to File
on the Menu bar and choose Rename.
4. Type in the new document name and click OK.
Upload a File
1. In order to upload an existing document you just need to click
on the Upload button on the Menu bar.
2. Then you will need to click on the Browse button and find the
document that you would like to upload.
3. The path to your document will appear in the form field next to
the Browse button. If the file is not on your computer but can
be accessed via the web you can also type in the URL in the
second form field. The third form field allows you to change the
name before uploading. When you have completed these steps
you will click on the Upload File button.
4. Your file should now appear in your main window.
Other Features
• Spell Check
• Insert Images and Tables
• Translate into other languages
• Font and Style Options
• Sharing and Collaboration
• Publish to Web
• Formatting for different page sizes
• Exporting in a number of different formats including
MS Word, PDF, plain text, Excel, Open Office, MS
Powerpoint
Other Google Docs Resources
• Boise Public Library's Links Page
• Google's Official Help Page
• Tips for Getting the Most Out of Google Docs
• Michigan State University's Google Docs Tutorial
• eHow's Google Docs Video Series
For More Information about Google
Visit the "About Google" page at
http://www.google.com/about.html