Google Workspace is a collection of productivity tools that live in the cloud and help you and your team get things done. There are a lot of tools and the list grows all the time so it can be difficult to know where to start. Hopefully we will be able to help you with that.
Most Workspace applications are available on the computer, via iPhone apps, iPad apps, Android apps, etc. Using Workspace apps is an alternative to saving data on your local hard drive.
Here is a list of the more common tools available with Google Workspace with descriptions of how you can use them -
Google Drive
File hosting service. Use this to store files and folders in the cloud and synchronize them across your devices (i.e., computer, phone, tablet, etc.) You can also share files with others.
Google Docs
Word processing software. Use this to create documents, share them with others, collaborate, and edit in real-time across devices. Allows you to open and work with Microsoft Word files and PDFs (among other formats).
Google Sheets
Spreadsheet application. Use this to create spreadsheets (collections of rows and columns that store data. Also called flat databases), share them with others, collaborate, and edit in real-time. Allows you to open Microsoft Excel files.
Google Slides
Presentation program. Used to build presentations that include slides, videos, animations, transitions, polls, and integrations with several other programs. Collaborate with your team members, share, and record your presentations. Allows you to open and work with Microsoft PowerPoint files.
Google Calendar
Time management, scheduling, and task management service. Multiple calendars, appointments, time insights, and booking pages to let others book time with you.
Gmail
One of the largest email services in the world. You probably already have a Gmail account. Available through the web or through mobile applications.
Google Chat
Communication service. Use for direct messaging, group conversations, assigning tasks, and sharing files.
Google Meet
Video conferencing service. Features high-quality video, live captions, transcription, integrations, host controls, and AI tools.
Google Forms
Survey creation and administration software. Used to create online forms and surveys. You can customize text, colors, images, fonts and analyze responses in real-time
Google Drawings
Diagramming software. Use this to create a wide variety of charts, graphs, and diagrams.
Google Sites
Web page creation tool. CMS. Used to build websites without coding from templates or existing elements.
There are many other tools in Workspace. These are the most popular and are a good starting point for most people.
In future posts we’ll go into how to use some of these tools.
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