In a bid to tap into the multi-million dollar business of document-processing software that Microsoft Office Suite and Lotus have long benefited from, Google has introduced is own free version, aptly dubbed Google Docs.

The relatively new feature is a Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, forms, and data storage service offered by Google. The software allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real time with other users. From this, users are able to upload files from their desktop (the software accommodates files of up to 1GB), access and edit files from any computer or smartphone and enjoy real time collaboration which makes sending files across the Internet all the more convenient.

The information created through Google Docs is saved to Google servers, so there’s no clogging up your hard drive. This type of access is known as cloud computing — allowing users to host information from the Web or an external server rather than the computer before them.

All documents opened with the Google application are automatically saved to prevent data loss, and a version history is kept as well.

The files may also be tagged and archived for organisational purposes, and users have the option of choosing themed interface or pages to reflect their personal tastes from a collection of 25 new designs.

The good news, too, is that the “software as a service” is compatible with a number of platforms or browsers including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Chrome running on Microsoft or Apple operating systems.

Users who do not have newer machines or those capable of opening a variety of extensions should take comfort in the fact that Docs is compatible with .doc/.docx and .xls/.xlsx as it supports the ISO standard OpenDocument format.

The downside, though, is that some files can sometimes be well in excess of the specified limited; spreadsheets are confined to 256 columns, 200,000 cells and 99 sheets. Files viewed from mobile phones cannot be edited. The software hosts files via the Internet, so immediately privacy or the violation thereof is something users ought to consider. Therefore one should show caution when sending documents and try to avoid sending files that could be damning.

Downside notwithstanding, the software is free and should be welcomed by university students and/or those not able to purchase other pricey office suites.

What else does Google Docs do?

Check out these other cool features that Google Docs offers.

Translate documents: You can use the software to translate an entire document into over 40 languages.

Convert files in the document list: You can now convert files in the document list to a Google Docs format at any time.

Dictionary translation: Find the definition of a word in a given language and then translate the word and the corresponding definitions into another language.

Email as an attachment: From the share button you can now email your Google Spreadsheets workbook out directly as an attachment in .xls, .csv, .ods, .pdf and other popular formats.

Print preview: Just like other office suites you can see how many pages your document is or check on how your footnotes look at the bottom of the page.