I first wrote about this in October of 2005 and decided to resurrect the post so more people can read it and respond along with the edits I added. Another term that is developing along side Web 2.0 is "cloud computing" which means about the same thing…computing in a web browser versus traditional boxed software.
The term Web 2.0 started surfacing a few years ago, but is just now becoming a common industry buzz word. Web 2.0 refers to the level of functionality brought to the web. Internet users with fast connections (DSL speeds and up) can now do almost anything on the Internet that they can do with desktop software. Not all the applications are as refined (yet) as desktop software, but are compelling all the same. A computer user can use web based word processors, spreadsheets, databases, invoicing, financial programs, photo programs and much more.
My current favorite Web 2.0 applications are:
- Drupal – Content Management System for web sites
- Zoho Office – Word processing, spreadsheets, database, calendar and more
- Google Apps – Word processing power from any computer…from Google
- Yahoo Mail Beta – Yahoo is close to releasing a web mail interface that works as well or better than any desktop solution
- Blogger – Although we don't use this service anymore, it still remains a favorite of mine because of its ease of use
- del.icio.us – I don't use this yet, but Adam and millions of other folks are absolutely hooked on this bookmarking site.
- ThinkFree – Online office productivity applications with 1 GB of storage and fully compatible with Microsoft Office
Microsoft is worried about Web 2.0 because it means revenue loss for them. As good as Web 2.0 is, I can't wait to see what 3.0 brings. I'm including a few more links for you to browse with more links to Web 2.0 sites and applications:
- The Best Web 2.0 sites 2006
- All things Web 2.0
- Wikipedia Web 2.0
- Complete List of Web 2.0 applications
Related articles:
- Word Processing and Spreadsheet Basics – November 2007
- Do everything online…for free!
- Learn To Identify Search Engine Ads
- 5 Web 2.0 Sites to Watch
- 5 Reasons why YOU should be moving to the cloud
Tags: browser, cloud, Internet, Microsoft, Office, Web 2.0, Word, word processing, Yahoo, Zoho
Loading ...
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.