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Word Processing and Spreadsheets

You can read, create, edit, save, and email word processing documents and spreadsheets using the Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ word processing and spreadsheet program.

Go to Google Docs & Spreadsheets™

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How to get started using Google Docs & Spreadsheets™
How to send an email attachment to Google Docs & Spreadsheets™
How to publish Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ documents on the Web

Library computers do not have word processing or spreadsheet software, and you cannot access Library disk drives. However, you can read, create, edit, and email word processing documents using Google Docs & Spreadsheets™, and download your documents later on another computer Microsoft Word and other popular formats.

How to get started using Google Docs & Spreadsheets™:

Google Docs and Spreadsheets is a web-based word processing/spreadsheet program. You can upload Microsoft Word documents, create new word processing files or spreadsheets, and save your documents for access from any internet computer. Before you begin, it is useful to take the Google tour of Google Docs & Spreadsheets™.

  1. Go to the Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ Web site: docs.google.com
     
  2. Click on Create a New Google Account. (Note: It is necessary to have an active email account to create a new Google account.)
     
  3. Fill in your email address, preferred password, and word verification (to ensure you are not a computer generating accounts automatically), and review the terms of service. Giving your first and last name is optional. Click I accept. Create my account.
     

  4. A verification email will be sent to the email address you entered. You must now check that email account for an account verification message. If it is not in your inbox, be sure to check the bulk mail or spam folder. In order to activate your account, click on the link provided in the email message.
     

  5. Now you are ready to start using Google Docs & Spreadsheets™!

For help with Google accounts, go to www.google.com/support/accounts/.

How to send an email attachment to Google Docs & Spreadsheets™:

If you receive an email message with an attached file in Microsoft Word (.doc), HTML or plain text (.txt), Rich Text (.rtf), OpenDocument Text (.odt) or StarOffice (.sxw) format, you can forward the attachment to Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ to read and edit.

  1. Log in to Google Docs & Spreadsheets™
     
  2. Click on Upload
     
  3. Under Email-In Your Documents and Files, copy your unique Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ email address.
     
  4. Return to your email site and forward your message to the email address you copied.
     
  5. Click on the attachment in your Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ list.

How to publish Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ documents on the Web:

You can publish Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ to the Web for the public to view. This is particularly useful for résumés.

  1. Open a Google Docs & Spreadsheets™ document.
     
  2. Click on the Publish tab in the upper right corner of the document window.
     
  3. Click on Publish Document.

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©2007 City of Monterey. All Rights Reserved. http://www.monterey.org/library/ref/googledocs.html    D. Holtzman  06/23/08