An under-publicized feature of Google Docs is the ability to upload files to Google's servers and to keep those files in their original file format. There are other services that do this, such as Dropbox, but using Google Docs is a simple and effective method.
Why would you want to do this? If you have files that have been created in Microsoft Word or PowerPoint, the formatting does not always convert well into Google Docs. So, for instance, if you have used multiple, very bright colors and fancy designs in your PowerPoint presentation, they may all be reduced to one, bland web-safe color or disappear entirely.
Below is a screenshot of a folder that contains files that have not been converted to Google Docs format. The blue W indicates Microsoft Word files and the Adobe symbol indicates PDF files. These files involve tables and text boxes that would not convert well. Using this method, each user that has access to the folder can download the files in their original form and utilize them.
A key point: When you choose to use Google Docs in this way, none of the collaboration or chatting or revision history features will be available. You are simply making use of Google's server space to store your files. Theoretically, as long as you were guaranteed a working Internet connection, you could store all of your files for work or school this way and never have to carry a USB drive or portable hard drive with you again. This is a core idea of "cloud computing."
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