Google Docs vs. Microsoft Word: Difference between revisions
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== Cost == | == Cost == | ||
The reason that Google doc can beat Microsoft word is mostly because it's free. Although Google charges up to 50 dollars service fee to its premium customers, it's still a little money comparing to 500 dollars MS office charge. | The reason that Google doc can beat Microsoft word is mostly because it's free. Although Google charges up to 50 dollars service fee to its premium customers, it's still a little money comparing to 500 dollars MS office charge. | ||
== Functionality == | == Functionality == | ||
Although Google supports Doc, Spreadsheet and Slides, the functionality of the last two are not that powerful. When importing a MS PowerPoint, the format of that file will be lost. Furthermore, if there's a video in the slides, it can not be shown in Google. Most of MS Excel users will not turn to Google Spreadsheet not only because Spreadsheet is a pain to learn but also because they rely on Excel's mathematical and statistical functions. Last but not least, the one big missing piece of Google doc is offline access. If network is not connected, then there's no functionality that Google can provide. | |||
== Collaboration == | == Collaboration == | ||
The significant feature of Google doc is collaboration. Users can invite any one who also has a Google account to view and edit the file on line together. With simply clicking on the "Share" button, the file will be available to those invited users. All the changes will be made as soon as the editor click the "Save" button. In MS word, user must either email the file as an attachment or use a thumb drive to deliver his file and wait other users apply back using the same painful way. | |||
== Convenience == | == Convenience == | ||
Since Google doc requires no software download or install in the local computer, user can access it on any computer anywhere. While users want to collaborate editing, they don’t have to be in the same place or even working. | |||
What's more? Google doc has moved ahead on mobile access, which means user can use a Blackberry or iPhone to edit a file while sitting on a bus or waiting for McDonald's. | |||
== Security == | == Security == | ||
Both of the two document services have security problems. | |||
Revision as of 21:11, 15 August 2008
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Google doc, an online word processing product, is now undoubtedly a Microsoft word compatible alternative. The debate of which one is more powerful has been lasted for a long time. However, as far as cost, functionality, collaboration, convenience and security are concerned, each of them has advantages and disadvantages.
Cost
The reason that Google doc can beat Microsoft word is mostly because it's free. Although Google charges up to 50 dollars service fee to its premium customers, it's still a little money comparing to 500 dollars MS office charge.
Functionality
Although Google supports Doc, Spreadsheet and Slides, the functionality of the last two are not that powerful. When importing a MS PowerPoint, the format of that file will be lost. Furthermore, if there's a video in the slides, it can not be shown in Google. Most of MS Excel users will not turn to Google Spreadsheet not only because Spreadsheet is a pain to learn but also because they rely on Excel's mathematical and statistical functions. Last but not least, the one big missing piece of Google doc is offline access. If network is not connected, then there's no functionality that Google can provide.
Collaboration
The significant feature of Google doc is collaboration. Users can invite any one who also has a Google account to view and edit the file on line together. With simply clicking on the "Share" button, the file will be available to those invited users. All the changes will be made as soon as the editor click the "Save" button. In MS word, user must either email the file as an attachment or use a thumb drive to deliver his file and wait other users apply back using the same painful way.
Convenience
Since Google doc requires no software download or install in the local computer, user can access it on any computer anywhere. While users want to collaborate editing, they don’t have to be in the same place or even working. What's more? Google doc has moved ahead on mobile access, which means user can use a Blackberry or iPhone to edit a file while sitting on a bus or waiting for McDonald's.
Security
Both of the two document services have security problems.