Going Google

In my previous entry, I mentioned Google Chrome and Google Documents. Now it's time to introduce the Google aps, and they actually make up a significant portion of my favorite programs.

First, go to www.google.com and instead of starting a search for something, find the links up at the top and hit 'more' and keep asking for more until it redirects to a page of all the options.

One thing to mention before getting to the specifics, each one has guides and sometimes video guides associated with it, so feel free to view those. The Chrome design comic was kinda entertaining.

On the column on the left titled 'Search' there are a significant number of very specific searches and two very good programs. The first is the aforementioned Chrome browser. The second is Google Earth, a simulation program that as of the latest version can show the Earth, weather, Mars and even astrological views of the sky.

On the right column is a section titled 'Communicate, show & share'.

Blogger, thou art here. Seriously, need I explain what this is?

Calendar, an online calendar that can be shared between users. Also sends email alerts.

Docs, aka docs.google.com, this is a good documents solution for most people. Essentially like webmail, except you're writing your document and it's saved to the google server about every ten seconds. Not only that, but other users with permission can view the document in realtime and also edit it as it is in progress, or when 'published'. I mainly use it so Eternity can proof-read stories in progress, but it also has the advantage of being useable from any decent web enabled device.

Gmail, an excellent webmail service, it also integrates with Calendar and Docs.

Picasa, a 1 GB storage picture service, the pictures for this blog are served from my Picasa account. Good way to share pics for most people.

SketchUp, an easy to use 3D design program although the shapes are somewhat simple. On the other hand, it is very easy to use. Also the link for downloading the program also has links to video tutorials.

Talk, Google's IM service which is intergrated into Gmail. Nice simple IM that will connect to other Gmail users.

That's it for my recommended Google programs and services. I know I've found a lot of little gems there however, so I'll keep my eye on that little list.