Palo Alto (California): Google Inc, a company synonymous with searching the Internet, hopes to define far more of the world's computing experience with a helping hand from school children.
For several months, it has been giving away to all takers an online word processor, spreadsheet and other programmes that can perform tasks usually handled by desktop software.
Offering a convenience that worries some privacy experts, the programmes automatically store everything in Google's vast data centres so the information can be retrieved on any Internet-connected computer.
As it tries to usher in a new era in computing, Google is promoting its software applications in kindergarten through high school classrooms, where kids who have grown up with the web are more likely to experiment with different technology.
"It's the perfect place for them to target the next generation of computer users," said James McQuivey, a former Forrester Research analyst who is now a Boston University professor specialising in technology and communications.
The free-software approach poses a challenge to Microsoft Corp, whose success revolves around sales of its long-dominant Windows operating system and Office suite.
The programmes — including Word and Excel — are installed on hard drives and information is usually stored locally as well.
Google views its educational initiative as a public service for teachers who often lack the money and expertise to introduce more technological tools into their classrooms.
The company does not allow advertising in its word processing and spreadsheets programmes, leaving it unclear how Google expects to make money.
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