It's with no question that Google is arguably the Internet's #1 most used tool. What started off as the original search engine destination is now the most popular and widely utilized aspect of the Internet. But over the years, Google expanded its properties from just being a search engine. Now, Google offers several services and tools all under the convenience of one place. Essentially, Google is literally its own world within the world of the Internet.
One of the most utilized tools, both in academia and in the workplace, is Google Docs. If you aren't familiar with Google Docs, it's essentially the same exact thing as Microsoft Word. Additionally, Google also offers its own version of Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel. To further add to your convenience, all of documents are automatically saved as you progress within your work and they are stored in your own Google Drive. Through this, you can enable various sharing options (easy to share with fellow classmates and colleagues). If you are very tech savvy, the documents can easily be accessed through mobile devices and tablets as long as you sign into your account. Pretty neat, huh? Google definitely considered convenience and what exactly would be beneficial to for busy people like myself. However, I will say that I was reluctant to Google Docs and I used Microsoft Word for the longest time. Quite frankly, I still use Microsoft Word today, but it's simply due to comfort. Like the rest of us, I learned off of using Microsoft Word and I honestly stuck with it ever since. I guess it was just easier for me to access and use because I wasn't required to make an account to use it. Albeit, let's be honest, making a Google account is 100% free, quick, and easy. I think it was more of the fact that it was one less account for me to remember. However, after reading this article about transitioning from MS Word to Google, I noticed one advantage that Google Docs had over MS. That is, that you don't have to install updates as they are being made to the software. This is one less significant hassle that I have to worry about. Each time MS makes an update, I have to download and install the newest version of the software. Another huge factor to using Google is that it is free. It is free to create and account. Although most schools provide "free" downloads of Microsoft Office, it is still a product that is purchased in order to use.
Like I said, there's no doubt that Google Drive is amazing, especially with all of the work that is used in the classroom and in the work environment today. You don't even really need wifi to access such documents. There are extensions that you can install on your desktop and apps that you can download to your phone (more info can be found here. But if you're like me, I shied away from using it for the longest time because it was intimidating. In some aspects, I still find it intimidating, but there are user friendly guides like this one that simplify and outline the tools that it has to offer.
So as you can see, Google has grown to be very versatile. In the world of the Internet, Google is the #1 site that is used as a search engine. There are even ways to really narrow down search results, depending on what is being searched. For example, Googling yourself may be an interesting search topic. It gives you an insight of what potential future employers will see about you. This is why, again, it is important to monitor and consider what you post online. Googling yourself is only one way for people to see what comes with your name, at least according to Light, Bright, & Polite by Josh Ochs . In Chapter 2, he emphasizes the importance of responding to negativity online, and how you are in control of what you put out there about yourself. While you can't control other people's actions, you can control how you respond to certain things. Additionally, he incorporates his own personal experience with negativity online, particularly negativity about himself. He states how running for office in his local Hermosa Beach City Council allowed him to truly see the importance, not only of a Google search, but also in the way you respond to such negativity. That while there are days you want to respond the natural human way, you have to respond graciously for the sake of your figure. Or as Josh Ochs himself put it, "...I learned how powerful it is to be Light, Bright, and Polite to others".
Considering all the aspects of the Internet, Google is a significant part of it. They are constantly expanding their tools, further enhancing the convenience of Internet users all around the world.
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