📊 Secret you need to know: If you use Google Docs or Microsoft OneDrive, you can go back in time to see earlier versions of your work (or someone else’s). In Google Docs, head to File > Version History > See Version History. In OneDrive, it’s under File > Info > Version History. Bonus tip: If you want to know who does what in real time in a Google Doc, turn on the Track Changes option.
How to ditch Office for Docs and Excel for Sheets
Microsoft Office has been around for a long time, and understandably, people love the familiarity with its applications. But it is expensive.
As more businesses and educational institutes switch to Google programs such as Docs and Sheets, it can’t hurt to check them out. And you can save money by switching.
Office history
Microsoft Office was launched in 1990 as a suite of apps, including Word and Excel. MS Office has grown to include versions for the web, smartphones and Windows PCs. A subscription model exists under the name Office 365.
While there’s a free, lightweight version known as Office on the web, if you want the full capability of the apps, you’ll have to buy the programs outright or subscribe to them. Either method is an expensive proposition.
Google programs such as Docs and Sheets are free to use with a Google account. If you’re considering a switch, you will save money. There are other factors to consider, however. Will the adjustment from Microsoft to Google be difficult? Read on to find out.
From Word to Docs
You shouldn’t have much trouble picking up Docs if you’re a Word veteran. The two apps share many of the same functions.
Start with the toolbar across the top of the screen. You’ll see similar icons for formatting text: bold, italic, underline, alignment, font and text size and color.
The File and Insert menus contain many of the same options, and both apps have easy access to undo and redo buttons in the form of curved arrows.
Let’s review how some actions work in MS Word vs. Google Docs.
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$250/hr freelance job, video game addiction & Apple’s batterygate payouts
Plus, Logan Visser was playing video games for 16 hours a day. He talked with me about how he broke the cycle. Also, Google is adding eSignature tools to Docs and Drive. Food delivery at airport gates, apps that share location data and 5 steps to sell your old phone.
I’m no lawyer, but …: Docs in a lawsuit against OpenAI show the company destroyed two massive datasets used to train its GPT-3 AI model. The Authors Guild (paywall link) says they likely contained thousands of copyrighted books. Oh, and the “researchers” responsible for creating the datasets no longer work there. How convenient.
Every 1 to 3 days
How often docs say you should 💩. All bodies are different, and the most important thing is knowing what’s regular for you. Good tips here if you’re not! Poop jokes aren’t my favorite kind of jokes, but they’re a solid No. 2.
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Stop sending yourself emails: Need to transfer photos, vids and docs from your Android device to a Windows PC? Use the free Quick Share app. Works great!
Your eyes only: Make sure someone can’t open a doc on your PC. In MS Office and Google Docs, click the Help button in the menu bar. Click Help again, then type in Encrypt with Password. Your program of choice will walk you through the steps.
Your new side hustle? Digital notary! That is, if you’re in one of the 47 U.S. states that now allows notary publics to operate completely online. Once you’re certified, you can notarize docs from home at your convenience. Check out the requirements for your state on the National Notary Association’s website.
Because you’re mine, I walk the line: You just sang that, didn’t you? Say you’re editing with a group and need to reference line by line. Google Docs can save you the headache. Go to Tools > Line numbers > check Show Line Numbers, and you’re all set. Sweet!
Save yourself some time — Google Docs will do it for you. Open up your document, then go to Tools > Translate document. It’ll create a translated copy in the language you choose. Adios, copying and pasting blocks of text.
Protect your docs: Medical identity theft is scary, and victims often don’t realize something is wrong until it’s too late. Store hard copies of medical records and documents with personal identification information in a safe or lockbox.
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