Two days ago I learned that Writely was now open to all GMail users. I've had a gmail account now for a little over two years, and I know use it as my primary email address. I don't have a email client installed on my computer. I've gotten use to the idea of the applications I need and want to use being online (I think being a web developer helps with this). About two months ago I started using Google Spreadsheet, and I have to say that it is amazing. I am so impressed with all that I can do with it. I track data of my rides, and of course I use Google Earth to help me figure out my distance and elevation changes. I schedule things in Google Calendar, and I write my resume and other inportant documents in Writely. Google earth being the exception, the rest of the applications are all online. No installs. So now I have my data, wherever I want it, no matter what computer I'm on. Mac or PC, Home or Work its there. So again I think, do I need Microsoft Office?
Well yes and no. For work a standardize Office Suite is needed. Besides doing things in anything other than MS Word or Excel seems to melts some peoples brains. The concept that a spreadsheet, or a .doc can be created in something other than a Microsoft product send them ready for the EAP number.
However for home, I only use the online application, it just make sense for me when I work on and from so many different machines. So heres a quick little rundown of the online equivalents of the Microsoft Office Suite.
ZDNet has a great blog post on their picks for Office Suite Replacement Applications.
Happy Computing
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