Google Tools

Google docs are a really handy way of sharing a document that a group of people have to work on/view. It is especially good if the users are in different physical locations and it doesn't have the restrictions that other document management systems have (such as the IM systems that you may use at work where all users must load the software onto their computer). This makes it a far more accessible system. However, I do wonder about the security on such a system...

I love Google maps - I use it all the time to find directions to places, especially hotels when I am on holidays. However, its best use I have found so far is its ability to show the distance to places. I find this particularly useful when I'm trying to find a new route to take my bike for a ride - it means I can find the best way there (though sadly it doesn't tell me how big the hills are!) Here's a ride I like to do on the weekends when I'm feeling energetic.

The State Library of Tas is going to introduce Google Books into its catalogue in the near future. This will be an excellent new feature. I like being able to view contents pages of the books especially for non-fiction books as it helps me to choose the most relevant books.