Google Docs and Dropbox

I’ve been using a couple of “online” products the last few days for managing my documents. The first is Google Docs. It’s a lightweight, online editor for documents, spreadsheets, and slideshows. Everything is stored on the servers of the ubiquitous Google. It’s (usually) readily accessible, but only as long as you have an internet connection. (No there is Google Gears for offline file management, but it doesn’t “officially” run on 64-bit linux, which is what I have. There is a package someone has put together, but I haven’t got it all to work yet…)

The other product I’ve been using in Dropbox. Basically, it allows you to sync files across multiple computers. It stores your files on their servers and even keeps revision and deletion history. You can set up the client on Windows, Mac, or Linux. Dropbox then synchronizes them all. If one of them dies, it’s simple to put everything back. And all of your files are accessible on your local machine if you don’t have an internet connection. And, obviously, you’re not just limited to documents, spreadsheets, and slideshows–you can put up any file you like.

What is my evaluation? Google Docs is a lot easier to use. No daemon to install, no separate account (assuming you already have Gmail). But if you need to work on a document offline and haven’t explicitly exported it or installed Google Gears, you’re out of luck.

Dropbox leaves everything in your hands. You have your own copy of the files, with which you may do as you please. No internet? No problem. And you have no vendor lock-in. You edit files using whatever programs you like. You keep them in their native format (which means no data or formatting loss during file-type conversions). Plus, you can even upload and download files using the web interface, making your docs accessible even on a computer where you don’t have Dropbox installed.

Final answer: Google Docs for the little things where I need a quick and easily accessible document. But Dropbox for reliable handling of everything else.

Want a Dropbox  invite? Shoot me an email or leave a comment.

Spyware for law enforcement; the TSA; and programmers in the real world

• The FBI recently used spyware through MySpace to track down a bomb threat. The software logged the Windows user’s online activities and gave the FBI the information they needed to track him down.
• A very interesting read about one person’s run-in with the Transportation Security Administration and their dislike for his “not sold in Wal-mart” homemade devices.
• What must computer science graduates do once they’ve earned a degree? Learn to be good writers, no matter how good they are at coding. Pure brilliance isn’t always obvious to the CEO–you have to learn to write well, too. UPDATED: Thanks, Dr. K! I misinterpreted your post. I hope this is better.

Links for 7/12

I ran across quite a few interesting articles and posts today and thought I’d post some links.

• Tracks An interesting Ruby on Rails application to manage tasks and projects. Haven’t used it, but it looks really nice.
• What the world needs now in Google Linux Is Google teaming up with linux geeks to take on Windows? What are Microsoft’s deals with some linux companies doing to the rest of the linux community?
• Time’s 50 Best Websites 2007 I have never used most of the sites they list in the top 50, but Google, Wikipedia, YouTube, Facebook, del.icio.us, Digg, and Technorati all place in the “25 Sites We Can’t Live Without.” Interestingly, MySpace and Second Life are listed in the “5 Worst Websites.”
• Art may mimic life, but Legos mimic art For those who like Legos and photography, a very interesting post. Look at the rest of the photos on Flickr, too.
• Add face recognition login with BananaScreen Overall just an interesting gadget for securing your computer.