Google apps

Google features a whole bundle of decent free applications, either directly under Google's aegis or using a contraption they call Google Apps (GA). Apps allows you to bring your own domain name; the main benefit is that your email address is more personalized and professional-looking. It is straightforward for Apps users to share things like calendars semi-privately, ie only with others under that same domain. One nontrivial drawback with Google Apps accounts is that they do not offer as many features as regular [Google] accounts - only Mail, Calendar, Docs, Talk, and Sites. For business use, though, this set should suffice, for many people. Ads in Apps Gmail can be toggled off, if you pay the $50 per account annual ransom (Google Apps Premier Edition). I use:

• G-Calendar, for scheduling (I sync Gcal with iCal on my Mac via MobileMe);
• G-Mail, for email (Gmail has a great spam filter, and their mobile app typically works well);
  (update: Gmail now supports IMAP! = Huge positive advance.)
• G-Reader, for surfing RSS feeds;
• G-Docs-n-Spreadsheets, for editing;
• G-Picasa, for sharing photos;
• G-Maps, for wayfinding;
• G-Earth*, for virtual tourism (includes a flight simulator!);
• G-YouTube, for occasional video amusement.

Also useful are

• G-Sites, for authoring simple web pages;
• G-Groups, for finding like-minded humans;
• G-SketchUp*, for fun 3D sketching;
• G-Blogger, for blogging.

* = not accessed via web browser (must download and use on standalone computer)

Lifehacker howtos

• back up your Google Apps data
• domains, hosting and free apps
• turn Thunderbird into the ultimate Gmail IMAP client
• become a Gmail master

 

---

  Last updated: 20080309