EPD - Technologies - UW Google Drive
Google drive is a free, web-based application that allows documents, spreadsheets, and more to be created, shared, collaborated, and managed.
The biggest difference between Google Drive and a traditional productivity suite such as Microsoft Office is that the application and all of the files are stored online (aka Cloud Computing), rather than on an individual computer.
UW-Madison uses UW-Madison Google Apps, which allows UW students, staff, and faculty to securely log in using their UW NetID and connect using @wisc.edu accounts.
Watch a Common Craft video that explains how Google Drive works.
Users can access multiple document formats. The primary types of documents that can be created and shared with Google Drive include:
- Documents: For composing letters, flyers, essays, and other text-based files (similar to MS Word documents)
- Spreadsheets: For storing and organizing information (similar to MS Excel worksheets)
- Presentations: For creating and presenting slides (similar to MS PowerPoint slideshows)
- Forms: For collecting and organizing data (this works in conjunction with Google Spreadsheets)
- Drawings: For creating simple vector graphics or diagrams
Google DocumentsGoogle Spreadsheets
- Google Drive Help offers great info on getting started, how to, and quick fix
- Google Drive Blog posts up-to-date information relating to Google Drive
- Logging into UW Google Apps
- UW Google Apps vs. Personal Google Accounts
- Switching between the different Google Accounts