When you hear the word Google, most people think of searching the web for content. Google is by far the most used search engine in the world. Over the last several years, Google has expanded its offerings from Gmail, free email accounts to video storage and web page development. Google services are free and relative easy to master. Another great feature of Google apps is that they designed to be browser driven, not machine specific. Google apps will behave the same on my Macintosh or my PC; on Windows XP or Vista; on Jaguar or Leopard; on Internet Explorer or Firefox. Google apps brings the power of computing to any user. Of course, some of the apps will fit your needs better, some will fit your student’s needs and some will fit both of your needs. View the current list of Google services.
So just what is the difference between Google accounts and Google apps?
According to Google, your Google account is used to log in to Google services. When you set up a Google account, Google automatically sets up a Gmail account for you, which is Google supported email. You only need one Gmail account to manage your mail. You don’t have to use your Gmail account for your email, but once the Google account is set up you can use this username and password to access all of the Google apps.
Google apps refer to the collection of services hosted by Google. So just what is Google Apps? It is a collection of web applications that offer a wide variety of options. If you go to Google.com you can find a complete list of applications that are available. There is a difference between editions of Google Apps. The Standard Edition (free) offers fewer options than the Premier Edition ($$). The true value of Google apps over other free web applications is all you have to do is set up ONE account to have access to all of the free tools. One username and password equals one sign-on.
Establishing one Google account for everything will help you keep track of what apps you are currently subscribed to. Do not use your current password that is for your business or work account. It is also recommended that you change your Google password frequently, just as you would frequently change your other passwords to keep them from getting compromised.
Over the next few weeks, many of the Google apps services will be critiqued. Maybe you will find one that fits your needs.
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