Google Docs

[dgun]

I have been moving toward using more and more google services, including gmail and google docs.

Just recently google added presentation software to google docs. Now they have a word processor, spread sheet, and presentation. (I like the fact that it is all online.)

I've been using it for probably 8 months or so and I am impressed. Even though it is still in Beta, they make improvements fairly frequently.

Presentation example (http://docs.google.com/Present?docid=df57f52b_32fqk3zb&fs=true) Like power point

Spreadsheet example (http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pVmaPKQTi-pdmQHHUzyNJVg)

And the spreadsheet looks like excel when logged in.

And I published these to allow everyone to see them. Otherwise, only the user could see them.

[jafar00]

Interesting, but it won't drag me away from OpenOffice.org
The spreadsheet doesn't have nearly as many features as I need, and I would hate to think of what would happen if I needed to work on something if I'm out on business and can't find a wifi hotspot.

[dgun]

but it won't drag me away from OpenOffice.org

No doubt. I use OOo myself. I mostly use the google docs at work for personal stuff more than business . But I like being able to save stuff to a folder in my google account and then pull it up wherever I'm at.

[Labrocca]

I been on OO for about 4 years now. I was tired of paying for MS Office..robbery prices imho. Gates should be making MS Office under $100...maybe even $50 or $60 if he wants to keep marketshare. He has about 3-5 years left before his monopolies are totally busted.

[dgun]

He has about 3-5 years left before his monopolies are totally busted.

I agree 100%.

Linux distros have come a long way in terms of making the interface intuitive enough for the average user. There is more than enough apps in the linux/ FOSS world to do anything. The hardware support has vastly improved also, but I would like to see OEMS put out Linux drivers more frequently.

And of course, as you mentioned MS is getting strong competition in office software from OOo and others.

[BoogyMan]

We have been using the whole Google apps suite for a while now with our student populace and we have been getting nothing but positive feedback from them. We can package up single signon with Google's SAML support and their apps integrate very nicely into our portal system.

I have used OOo for about 3 years and it is nice to have an alternative to handing cash to big Bill every time he decides to re-arrange the menu system in Office.

I have been a big proponent of the usage of Linux since I downloaded my first floppy based distro in the mid 90s. Slackware was a bit tougher to configure in those days but was still pretty sweet.

One of the things pushing Linux these days is the huge number of appliance products developed around a hardened Linux OS that is configured for special purpose usage. In any case, such activity is good for the Linux community as a whole.

Ubuntu is making real inroads into the desktop OS market these days as well. :D

[dgun]

nice to have an alternative to handing cash to big Bill every time he decides to re-arrange the menu system in Office.

:clapper:

So true. When they upgraded Office at work, the new reading view was a nice new nuisance. And the fun part is that you can't turn it off! MS decided it was best for me to use the reading view.

One of the things pushing Linux these days is the huge number of appliance products developed around a hardened Linux OS that is configured for special purpose usage.

And it only makes good sense. Linux is very stable and there is no licensing costs involved.

IIRC, the mars rovers run linux.