Google Docs

Google Docs is a freeware web-based office suite offered by Google within its Google Drive service. This article describes how you can use Google Docs to share word-processing documents and spreadsheets with other forum members:


 * 1) Go to http://docs.google.com
 * 2) Create a no-cost Google account if you do not have one.
 * 3) Log in.
 * 4) Next to "Create" you will see a red button with a icon on it that means "upload". Press it.
 * 5) Upload a word processing document or a spreadsheet in many common formats, notably Microsoft Word and Excel.
 * 6) Click on the document. It may show a preview. Examine it to see if the format conversion is acceptable. Perhaps click "open" and view it in the Google Docs word processing or spreadsheet application itself. When you are sure you are ready, click on the Share button.
 * 7) Change "visibility" to "Anyone with the link."
 * 8) Leave "access" at the default, "Anyone (no sign-in required), Can View."
 * 9) Click on "save."
 * 10) Copy the "link to share."
 * 11) Post the link, being aware that once posted publicly in Bogleheads, anyone can find the link in Bogleheads and then can read your document. While the name of the Google Docs account is not obviously embedded in the link, remember that the purpose of Google Docs is to share documents, not to hide them, and you are probably disclosing clues to your personal identity and possibly to the name of your Google Docs account.