Zoho is not just convenient for working on files on different computers. It can also be used to bring people together – we explain how
Broadband has had an unexpected effect on the way we use computers. Documents and programs are no longer restricted to a single computer. Instead the previously humble web browser can be used as a word processor, spreadsheet or presentation editor.
Those applications are not included with the browser though. Instead you use it to access applications stored online. This is ‘cloud computing’, which means you create and edit documents stored on the internet. The advantage is that you can access your work and documents from any computer that has a broadband connection, even on a laptop using a wireless hotspot.
We are going to look at how the applications in a free office suite called Zoho can be used to create and share documents. In our example a family will be using Zoho to organise a surprise 60th birthday party, with relatives from around the country sharing invitation lists, gift lists, food and drink costs, jobs that need doing and an online photo gallery for after the event.
Getting started Zoho costs nothing to use but you may need to register first. If you have a Google Mail or Yahoo Mail account though, the log-in details for these services can be used to access Zoho. If you sign in with one of these other accounts, you will need to create a Zoho username and click in the box to agree to the Terms of Service. Click on Update and log in.
If you need to create an account for Zoho, click on the Sign up link at the top right. Enter a username, email address and password. The password should be a combination of letters, numbers and other characters so it is hard for other people to guess. Enter the text in the image and click in the box to agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Signing up to the Zoho newsletter is optional. Click on Sign up Now button and a verification email will be sent to you. Click on ‘Continue Signing in’ to go to the main Zoho page. Check your email and follow the instructions to confirm the account.
