Google Documents and Selecting Passwords

Google Documents is used to upload documents. The documents can be shared on the web, or access can be limited to a select group. A Gmail username and password can be used to sign in to Google Documents.

According to Google, documents can be edited anytime, anywhere. Whenever a user changes a document, those changes can be shared instantly.

According to Google, the files are stored securely on the web. Through Google Documents, spreadsheets, documents, and presentations can be shared online. Documents that have been created with MS Word can be uploaded using Google Documents .

Authors beware: The status of your writings that you copyright and then place on Google Documents is unclear. Someone may try to copy your material from the site. It is best to consult an authority on Copyright Law if you have any doubts.

One component of Google Documents is essentially a free word processor. Google Documents accepts documents created in MS Word. Another component of Google Documents is essentially a free spreadsheet program. Google Documents offers a variety of templates, including those that resemble basic spreadsheet and word processor programs.

Here are some of the templates that are available on Google Documents: Template RYRep RC - P000; BoL; Exalted Char Sheet; South Sangamon Republican Club Newsletter 1208; simple order form template spreadsheet; Mileage template; Order Form; masa_lite_v1.0 (Masaniello money management); New Menu Do's & Don'ts; Scout Camping Signup; Asset Price Volatility Calculator; UKS Fall Retreat 2009 Sign Up; Copy of google; Christmas gift budget; google.

These templates are custom made and can be used to store documents on the web.

Selecting Passwords

Users should update passwords routinely. That way, if security is compromised, the old password becomes useless to the thief. Users should update the browser and operating system whenever a new version becomes available. Novices should know that tips on passwords apply generally regardless of the type of application - whether it is Gmail or Google Documents.

Users should never use the Gmail or Google Documents password for another email account. It is possible that a thief might use the other account to find out the common password, and then compromise the Gmail or Google Documents account.

Gmail and Google recommend using a secure connection when signing in - in other words, they recommend that the user select "Always use HTTPS". In truth, there is no perfectly secure computer, and relying heavily on the confidentiality of information to be preserved by an HTTPS feature is in itself a questionable practice. Such features as HTTPS are subject to being decrypted by computer security professionals. Government security departments are full of these types of professionals.

Generally, a faster, larger computer can be used to decrypt the encryptions of smaller computers because of the nature of the mathematics involved in the process.

Google recommends that users pick a strong password and that they not email it or write it down. As a computer security measure, Google recommends running anti-virus scans and changing the Gmail password whenever something suspicious is noticed, like an unusual slowing down of operations or changes in the email account not done by the user.

Gmail has a number of articles on the topic of computer security and email generally.

Here are some other articles that may be helpful:

A Survey of Google

Google's Email Feature Gmail Expands

What's Up at Google

An Excerpt From the GM Owner's Manual

A Humorous Day at the Big Burger Corporation

Google and Photography - Picasa and Picasa Web Albums