google docs is it good

[DaSwede]

I'm thinking about starting using Google Docs for creating and storing some rather important documents. Before I make the plunge: Is there a risk of serious problems, like for instance suddenly not being able to access your own documents?

Thanks!

[fo3nix]

Well, yes.

1) It's in Google's hands. So, they can read what you type. Don't like that? Then don't use it.

2) They will store the documents very well (they're pretty good at this), but you'll find in the small print that if there is a catastrophic error and everything is lost, then it's not their fault.

3) Obviously, without an internet connection, you'll have no documents.

Personally, I'd advise you to stick with using Word or whatever. It's more reliable, and definitely more secure with regard to your privacy.

[DaSwede]

Hi fo3nix. Have to say it's not so much the one big disaster I'm worried about (I'll keep copies), I was thinking more along the lines of frequently not being able to log in/access the documents, albeit temporarily...?

No.1: yes that's true of course but have you heard of that happening...?

Google Docs as compared to Word-on-your-puta has the advantage of letting you show/share your documents with others, if you choose, and that would be handy for me.

I'll be taking your points into consideration. Thanks!

[fo3nix]

Well, I very much doubt many Google employees will do this.

But the fact is that it's stored in plaintext on their servers. So the computer will read it, and anyone there can read it.

As for it being temporarily unavailable, well I think that Google's services have literally only been down for about an hour in total over the past few years. They have amazing uptime.

As for sharing your stuff: that's true, and it does help with collaboration. But just emailing your docs may suffice.

[DaSwede]

Certainly surprising it's in plaintext. I'll bear your information in mind when I decide what documents to handle there, fo3nix, thanks!

[fo3nix]

They could do transparent encryption, but it would probably eat up too many CPU cycles, ignoring the complexity of it too.