It is hoped that through the specific comparisons of Google Drive and MS Office Web Apps in the article, readers will learn the practical advantages and disadvantages of these online office services and tools, and select the most effective way to work online.
Comparison Between Google Drive and MS Office Web Apps: User Interface
Discover the wonders of *Google Drive.
Google Drive now incorporates Google Photos for storing images, along with the trio of online office tools - Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. In other words, Google Drive serves as a unified management tool for the Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides suite.
Users can easily access this trio of tools on mobile devices or use them online through web browsers.
The user interface of Google Drive is divided into columns of content, containing folders and files, making it visually intuitive. There are two content sections: user storage space and folders/files shared and linked with other users.
Embark on the journey with *MS Office Web Apps.
MS Office Web Apps is an online office suite tailored for web users with Microsoft accounts. It offers a variety of essential tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Sway.
The user interface of MS Office Web Apps undoubtedly resembles the latest Office 2013 or 2016 suite. With a sleek and modern flat design, users will undoubtedly find it delightful. Especially, navigation and data input operations with this interface are smooth and straightforward.
Comparing Google Drive and MS Office Web Apps: Advantages and drawbacks in features
Unlock the potential of *Google Drive.
Get Google Drive for your computer: Download Google Drive
Get Google Drive for Android: Download Google Drive for Android
Get Google Drive for iPhone, iPad: Download Google Drive for iPhone
One of the remarkable advantages of Google Drive compared to MS Office Web Apps is its plethora of notable benefits. Here are some standout advantages that users can easily notice.
The speed of file operations on Google Drive, including upload, download, and file movement, is quite fast and smooth, with minimal occurrence of lengthy loading symbols for folders or features, except for network speed issues.
The intuitive interface of Google Drive is accessible even to first-time users. Functional instructions within Google Drive are straightforward and not as complex as Microsoft Office.
Automatic data storage in Google Drive while inputting data is an extremely effective feature for all users. Even if you accidentally close a tab or browser, rest assured that all your entered data is promptly saved in the document file in Google Drive.
Supports various storage formats on computers such as .doc, .docx, pdf, .xls, xlsx, ppt, or pptx.
Allows opening documents from multiple sources: upload from computer, Google Drive, file sharing.
Contrary to the aforementioned advantages, Google Drive also has its share of drawbacks.
Those accustomed to a creative workspace with all the necessary tools like Microsoft Office may find it challenging to adapt to some rudimentary tools on Google Drive.
+ Beautiful flat interface, intuitive and nearly identical to Office 2013 or 2016 versions. Convenient for users to operate.
+ Supports various conversion formats such as PDF, ODT, doc, or .docx. You can edit and save documents without worrying about compatibility with Office versions.
+ Automatically stores edited documents on OneDrive. Multiple storage options available including saving directly on the computer or to OneDrive.
+ Supports transferring edited text to the latest Office software on the computer
- Drawbacks:
+ Document loading time in the text editor, Excel, Slide takes time. When opening any document, you may have to wait around ten seconds for the system to fully load the service.
+ Automatic data saving feature does not work continuously or works slowly, leading to the risk of losing all data if suddenly shut down.
+ Can only open files from OneDrive. This means if you want to open a .doc file from your computer, you will need to upload it to OneDrive before opening it in MS Office Web Apps.
Conclusion
Many might argue that comparing Google Drive and MS Office Web Apps is unnecessary because they are quite different. However, categorizing the features and pros and cons of Google Drive will provide you with a more accurate perspective on how to use these two online input tools.
It wouldn't be wrong to say that Google Drive serves as both a storage tool and an input tool. Meanwhile, MS Office Web Apps are entirely a suite of online office services.
With Google Drive, users can upload files on Google Drive and edit them directly through the Google Docs, Spreadsheet, or Slide office suite. In contrast, you'll have to download the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps on iOS and Android instead of accessing Microsoft's website to edit documents.
