Noted: Convert .docx, .xlsx, .pptx files in the cloud for Google Docs, Zoho

Noted items are interesting finds from my daily RSS reading -- Douglas

I am seeing issues with these new file formats from the latest version of Microsoft Office. While this always happens during the initial stages of a new software release, it doesn't make it any less annoying when someone sends you a file you can't read. It is nice to see there are a few solutions available other than asking the person to re-send a more compatible file.

Convert .docx, .xlsx, .pptx files in the cloud for Google Docs, Zoho

Wow, what a difference one single letter can make. Take the letter "x" for example. It can take one sip and make it six. Or it can turn a kind hey into an evil hex. Worst of all, it can twist the ubiquitous .doc format into a cloud-hating .docx file. When I use Google Docs, I can't import .docx documents and I get cranky because my current solution defeats the purpose of using the cloud in the first place. I generally end up opening Microsoft Office to save the file over to .doc format. Sometimes I simply ignore the darn .docx file completely, but it never solves the problem. Zoho Writer actually does support .docx files as does Adobe's Buzzword, but you're out of luck for .xlsx or .pptx files on both platforms.

The Apple Blog notes that the on-line file conversion service, Zamzar, converts .docx files. You just upload them and Zamzar spits out a .doc file for you; the service also works for .xlsx and .pptx formats. Windows users could always install the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack SP1, but Zamzar offers a nice web function for those that want less, not more software.

(Via jkOnTheRun.)

Comments

Microsoft release Outlook.com email services to replace Hotmail

Today Microsoft released its new email service Outlook.com to replace its Hotmail brand. This new streamlined Metro interface design looks good and functions well so far. You can use your existing Microsoft account to log in and then choose an email alias (i.e. douglaswelch@outlook.com) for your new email address. Here are several articles that discuss Outlook.com... Goodbye, Hotmail; Hello, Outlook.com [REVIEW] Outlook Is a Completely New, Feature-Filled Webmail Service from Microsoft Go Get Your @Outlook Email Address Quick Before Someone Else Does I will post links to more articles and reviews as they appear.

Shared calendars are one part of an organized family

by Douglas E. Welch , techiq@welchwrite.com 206-338-5832 Reader/Listener Line As a parent with a school-age child, I often hear other parents bemoaning their disorganized existence. Along with the busy schedules of two working parents you might have art classes, karate classes, Little League, soccer and more. Add in more than one kid and organizing your life can quickly become a nightmare. This is exactly why one of my most important organizing devices is a shared calendar that reflects all the activities and events for everyone in the household...and I do mean everything. If someone -- is required to be somewhere -- at sometime, it goes into the calendar. If we are given a calendar that reflects all the events for a particular activity (say, Little League), all these events immediately go into the calendar, along with notations on whether we are providing the team snack, working in the snack bar, etc. Even events that occur anytime during the day, like family birthdays, and other rem...

Google Docs adds templates

I have started to move away from using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc) in favor of online tools like Google Docs . Even as a computer consultant, I find that I use probably less than 10% of the features in any of these projects. One feature I really like in Google Docs is the easy, online file sharing that also allows you to edit simultaneously with someone else. Today, Google Docs added some templates including business cards, brochures and more. At the moment, it looks like they are rolling out this feature over time, so you might not yet see the templates on your account. When available, you will find the templates under the New... menu item. From Open Loops ... Today, Google quietly rolled out a new feature for their Google Docs Applications: Templates! It's so new that it isn't even listed on the new features page at this time. When one opens their Google Docs account and chooses to start a new document, a new "From Template..." command is pre...

TechnologyIQ

Search This Blog