Some people believe that I drink too much Web 2.0 Kool Aid. That’s ok though because I love drinking it!
Web 2.0 refers to computing on the web versus your desktop. Instead of installing an application and then starting it from your desktop, you head to a web site instead. If you use HotMail (MSN email), Yahoo email, Gmail, or access your email via your provider’s web site, then you too are utilizing Web 2.0 computing or cloud computing.
For me, the big deal about cloud computing is how easy it is to access my information from literally any computer any time. If problems arise on my computer, I can easily move over to a different computer and barely miss a beat. And if you have had computer problems in the past, cloud computing offers an extremely liberating and mostly trouble-free experience.
Do I think cloud computing will ever totally replace desktop applications? Yes…for about 80% or more of the computing public. Computer users who email, word process, create and maintain spreadsheets, manage digital photos, play games (card, strategy, or board), listen to music, use calendars or to-do lists and more can all live comfortably online.
Low to no cost and independence from operating systems round out online computing’s advantages. Most of the basic online computing services are free and you can use any of them no matter what operating system you are using. If you have an Internet connection and a browser, you have your applications data.
Are there downsides? Sure there are, but I believe they are minor and easily overcome. First, you need an Internet connection. When someone brings this up, I ask them how often they are without an Internet connection. The conversation usually stops. However, if you will be away from an Internet connection for an extended period of time and need to continue editing a document or review a presentation, you can save an offline copy and then re-upload the changes when you are online again.
The second question is security. Like any online transaction from shopping to banking, the security is available, you just need to use it. Security always starts with using good passwords. Using the same passwords for all your accounts is irresponsible. Folks who do this and get burned cannot complain about online security. Read my numerous tips about creating and maintaining passwords for more information.
Here are some of my favorite Web 2.0 applications covering a range of computing needs in order of preference under each category:
Word Processing
- Zoho Writer
- Google Docs
- Buzzword
- Microsoft Office Live (clunky, requires add-ins, not completely Web 2.0 yet)
Calendar
Spreadsheets
Presentations (like and compatible with PowerPoint)
Database
- Zoho Creator (unbelievable functionality and ease of use)
Online Photo Management
Photo Editing
Games
I don’t games very often, but there are so many spyware laden sites, that I prefer recommending and staying with trusted companies.
Website Creation and Management
Business Applications
Other articles and tips I have writtenabout online computing:
- 5 Reasons why you should be moving to the cloud
- 3 Getting Started Guides for Google Docs
- And even more…
I have just scratched the surface of online computing with these examples of ones I have used and/or tried. What are your favorite online computing sites? Which of these do you use or like? Let me know by leaving comments below…please!
Related articles:
- Trust me, the cloud makes life easier & cheaper
- For Beginners: 3 Getting Started Guides for Google Docs
- 5 Reasons why YOU should be moving to the cloud
- Living online with your applications and data
- You are ignoring Web 2.0 – 12 articles to catch you up
Tags: cloud, Google, Internet, user group, users group, Web 2.0, Zoho
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
Thanks for mentioning Office Live Workspace in your list. I just wanted to point out that it can be used as a stand alone service and it does not require an add-in, unless you want to sync it directly into MS Office.
As to the not being completely web 2.0 comment, Office Live Workspace is getting there. The next version of MS Office will come with web-app versions of Word, OneNote, and PowerPoint which will allow for full editing/writing capabilites online. More on that in this press pass: http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/Features/2008/oct08/10-28PDCOffice.mspx
Cheers,
Jeff
MSFT Office Live Outreach
http://officelive.com/workspace/
Thanks Jeff. Glad you found the article. It is nice to Microsoft making the transition to the web, and I will keep tabs on the Office Live site as it develops and also check into how to use it as a stand alone web app.
I have been a fan of Google for some time and more recently started using the Google docs, obviously the email, and even tried out the calendar a little. However I find it frustrating that the formatting doesn’t transfer from Word to google and back again. After reading your article, I checked out Zoho writer and wow! it’s amazing. Granted I just signed up but I am excited to go play with all their applications! The writer part is amazing. The formatting is the same between import and export, plus there is more formatting options in the app. I’m sad to say, Google is going to have to step up the quality of their apps if they want to stay competitive in the cloud computing world.
I understand about the formatting issues that some folks have. For documents with lots of formatting, it is harder for the web apps, but yes, Zoho has a wonderful word processing app. Actually, I really like all of the Zoho apps…very complete and polished. I like the simplicity and speed of the Google apps for simple, quick documents. Thanks for stopping by!