Google Suite is a collection of Google-branded programs for communication, collaboration, and publishing that can be installed and maintained with minimal effort. It includes apps like Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Picasa, and more. Users get accounts to communicate via email and chat and can collaborate in real time on shared documents without local hardware installation. An upcoming addition will be a wiki component, and presentations app is in development with PowerPoint import/export. The Suite offers these features for free while comparable Microsoft products cost over $200.

1. Google Suite Presented by Crystal Czar

2. WHAT IS GOOGLE SUITE? Google Pack is a “one stop” software package that helps discover, install, and maintain a wide range of PC programs. Currently available for Windows XP and Vista.

3. GOOGLE-BRAND PROGRAMS Google Desktop Picasa Google Toolbar for Internet Google Earth Google Talk Google Video Player Google Photos Screensaver Gmail Google Calendar Norton Security Scan

4. COMMUNICATE Give users accounts in: Gmail Google Calendar Google Talk

5. COLLABORATE AND PUBLISH Google docs allow users to share files and collaborate in real time. The start page is where users will: Preview their inboxes Preview their calendars Access essential content Search the web

6. INSTALLATION Google suite is hosted by Google, eliminating installation of hardware and/or software and downloads. Minimal setup and maintenance. Google updater installs latest version and upgrades, if necessary.

7. UPCOMING EXPECTATIONS Google Apps will soon gain a wiki component. Presentations application is currently in an early stage. Slide show presentation program sharing, with Microsoft PowerPoint importing and exporting capability.

8. COST Google Suite offers a FREE version. Compared to Microsoft Works Suite version for $208.00, with costly or no upgrades.