Google Documents is Google's free spreadsheet and word processing software. You can start from scratch or use a supplied template. Google Docs handles the most popular types of files including: DOC, XLS, ODT, ODS, RTF, CSV, PPT and others.

The Google Documents interface is similar in appearance to toolbars you are most likely already familiar with. It's easy to work with features such as bolding, underlining, indenting and changing fonts. Google Docs makes managing documents easy.

1. Save work down to your desktop from Google Documents and upload to Google Docs online from your desktop.

2. Keep your documents in Google Documents and edit them any time and from anywhere with Internet access.

3. Share saved changes immediately by publishing the document through Google Documents and acquiring a Web address for the document.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get started by setting up your free Google Documents account

You can sign up for a free Google Documents account in a matter of minutes. It's quite easy to do through Google.

I recommend: Sign in to Google Documents with your Google username and password. If you don't already have a Google account, you can set one up on the spot. You can get help with Google Documents by searching Google Docs Help.

Find the Google Documents training you need to get you working

Google strives to make its interfaces as user-friendly as possible. There are help files and step-by-step instructions which enable you to get set up and working. You may want or need more in-depth instruction in order to feel you are fully utilizing Google Documents, so take advantage of tutorials and other training.

I recommend: Get a hands-on introduction to Google Docs by going through the Google Docs Tour. Sit through the Overview of Google Docs presentation to get an overview of the application, tour its features, and learn where to go for more information.

Seek out more Google Documents information and helpful resources

Hire a Google Documents consultant for Google Documents advice on how best to take advantage of the application for your business needs. You'll pay for the consulting services, but it may be worth it to your company.

I recommend: b9 Web Consulting uses Google Docs and can assist you with questions you may have with how to implement the application into your business via the Web. Check out How To Use Google Docs for detailed steps on document tasks such as creating, saving, renaming, editing, tagging, collaborating and sharing, publishing, printing and copying.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Any open documents you have in Google Documents are automatically saved to avoid data loss. A full revision history is maintained on the Google server, too. Set up auto-save and really know your files aren't going to disappear.