Sharing Google Docs

somarco

GA Medicare Expert
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37,610
Atlanta
I have just started using Google docs for file sharing. Too early to tell if folks will like it or not.

Sent a "test" link to my wife that does not have a Google account and is moderately computer literate.

After 20 minutes of trying to follow my instructions (without looking over her shoulder or doing it for her) she gave up.

Is there an easy way to share docs when someone does not have a Google account?
 
You can set the "share" settings to allow anyone with the link to view the file. That way they don't have to sign in or use a gmail account.
 
Mark, PDF and Word.

David, did the share thing. She still couldn't do it. I didn't want to step in since I wanted to see how easy or difficult it is for someone with average skills.
 
Google docs work Great!

We use them for all sorts of stuff in the office. [our email is hosted by Google instead of MS Exchange] I just tried it with my hotmail account. It takes me to the form login & I either have to login with a Gmail account I have or Create a Gmail account for it to work.
It has a link to create an account now. But no way to get in without a Gmail account:(


DropBox works GREAT. One can have a public folder or share with 1 to however many folks it appears. I use it to share with my kids up to now so limited experience.

Microsoft has a Cloud solution now called "Office 365" but most likely has similar restrictions.
Online Software Hosted in the Cloud - Office 365 - Microsoft
 
I have just started using Google docs for file sharing. Too early to tell if folks will like it or not.

Sent a "test" link to my wife that does not have a Google account and is moderately computer literate.

After 20 minutes of trying to follow my instructions (without looking over her shoulder or doing it for her) she gave up.

Is there an easy way to share docs when someone does not have a Google account?

It could possibly be you with the computer literacy issues :D

- If you have a google doc, you click "SHARE"

- Under "Who has access" click "CHANGE" to the right of the line that says "Private"

- Change it to either "public on the web" or "anyone with the link"

Then you can send the link to anyone you want, and they won't need a Gmail login or anything.

Note you can NOT set public shares with a Google Apps (business) account.
 
Hmmm, how safe is it to send insurance documents to individuals where anyone with a link can download the document??? I wouldn't do it.

Google docs sharing is less than stellar. I've ran into the same problem. Works great if they are a google user, not good if they are not.

And no, it doesn't matter how computer literate I am. I need a solution an average user can work on their end.

Dan
 
Hmmm, how safe is it to send insurance documents to individuals where anyone with a link can download the document??? I wouldn't do it.

Google docs sharing is less than stellar. I've ran into the same problem. Works great if they are a google user, not good if they are not.

And no, it doesn't matter how computer literate I am. I need a solution an average user can work on their end.

Dan

Google Docs offers adequate privacy if you set sharing on a user-level basis, but then they have to log in.

For direct, private, login-less file sharing, there are plenty of other services that do that:

- Dropbox (however, they have security issues, beware)
- Wuala
- SugarSync
- SpiderOak
- Box.net

...just to name a few
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
why not just attach and email.......

I find that some internet providers...like RR.com, actually, tend to delete file attachments to our emails. Often it's something on the user's end that can be changed but if they're not technically savvy, it's easier just to send them a link to download the file.
 
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