GAIN: Google Docs vs Microsoft Word

     Google Docs is almost exactly the same thing as Microsoft Word with just a few minor difference. Before I get into the differences I want to talk about the similarities.
     The first similarity which is awesome is that Google Docs and Microsoft Word both use the same keyboard shortcuts to change the size of fonts. The next best similarity is that the ruler at the top of the page is virtually the same as Microsoft Word and allows you to create a permanent indention style for each paragraph you make without having to reset setting after pressing return.
     The biggest and most difficult difference is customization. Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer all of the same features such as page numbers, headers, etc.  However, on Google Docs you cannot customize the features, you can only work with the preset features. This makes it difficult especially when you are having to write a paper in APA format because you need to customize the header settings so that it will display a different header for the first plus a page number while the rest of the pages need a different header from the first page and a page number.
    The second and final difference that I notice is that Microsoft allows you to change settings through the use of an overhead list of tabs and buttons which lead to windows where you can change settings. Google Docs does nearly the same thing only with less settings. Google Docs also uses dropboxes instead of windows. This makes it difficult for me personally; however, this is a matter of opinion and not an actual downside I think everyone else will have.
     I have already used Google Docs many many times before and have loved sharing feature. The way that people can go in and change documents is incredible. A really nice feature is that one can change things in real time while the other person watch. Thus, should the the two users need to be apart yet work on a document, they can simply talk on the phone while both working on the document and seeing the changes that are being made. Google Docs makes collaboration extremely easy and practical. This is important because it helps digital citizens who desire to work collaboratively on projects. Google Docs provides a practical tool for anyone to work together in real time from different locations.
    I couldn't find anyone who could real-time chat with me to test out that feature, but it is a helpful feature for when people have limited phone access and still need to work on the document. I actually used it to communicate with my partner for our TEAM presentation and show her my thoughts. The way to add people to the list so that they can change the document is very straightforward.