Online Applications

It is truly amazing how much the Internet has altered the way in which we approach tasks. No longer are you limited to one computer, one disk, one opportunity to create, share and experience information, the Internet has made these experience timeless. Or perhaps more to the point Google has completely transformed the computer experience in ever facet possible.

Google.docs is the perfect example of the freeing nature of the Internet. The flexibility it provides people in publishing documents is enormous. It creates a new world where people are now no longer bound to purchase high cost software, which in reality they may only use in a limited capacity.

The only draw back to these applications is the limited formatting available and insert file limits. In other words they don't have all the bells and whistles of Microsoft applications. This can limit the creativity for people in when developing documents, but this again must be held in contrast to the amazing flexibility Google.docs and other online applications provide to the general public.

I personally have never been in a position where I haven't had access to various Microsoft application and conversion software, so I can not understand the frustration that exists for people when trying to complete projects. These new online applications now mean that if you can access the Internet you can complete documents with little fuss.

I am still unsure about the applications of these tools in the library environment. At the Tumut Library we provide people with access to a variety of desktop publishing products, however if these were not available for any reason these online publishing products could easily fill the void.

For now, Cheers!