Google is much more than a search engine. (Photo: © emevil/123RF.com)
Read aloud:
July 1, 2019
Craftsmanship 4.0: Google currently offers almost 70 free services. But which ones are truly useful for tradespeople? And what should you pay attention to when using them?
Google is an integral part of everyday life for internet users: According to the statistics portal Statista.de , around 87 percent of all search queries in Germany are conducted via the Google search engine. And the other Google services have also become indispensable for most people: Products like Google Maps, Android, Gmail , and YouTube each have more than a billion users worldwide. Even tradespeople can save time and money with Google services – if they understand that they are paying for their use not with money, but with data.
What else does Google know about me?
1.) What devices did you use recently? Google stores this under https://myaccount.google.com/device-activity. After clicking on a device, you will receive further information, for example the operating system used or the last location.
2.) Where have you used Google? Google stores this under www.google.com/maps/timeline. Their locations are marked with red dots.
3.) Would you like personalized advertising? With https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated you can unsubscribe and find further information on the topic.
Over the years, Google has perfected its business model: Innovative and useful services are developed in-house or acquired, and then made available to users free of charge. In return, Google collects data to display product- and person-specific advertising.
This works very successfully not only with Google search, but also with the navigation service Google Maps : Craftsmen can use this to easily navigate to any destination – even taking into account the current traffic situation.
Operations management
Operations management
Operations management
This offers financial advantages for businesses: The purchase of external navigation devices is no longer necessary, as existing smartphones or tablets can be used as route finders via an app. With special mounts for the devices in the car, the route is always in view.
But Google has also completely permeated many other areas with its products: For example, the Google service YouTube has become increasingly important in recent years for reaching young target groups . Here, companies can directly address potential customers, skilled workers and trainees with their own videos.
And those who want to save money on an expensive office suite can simply use the free programs "Google Docs", "Google Sheets", and "Google Slides" . These allow you to edit text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations anywhere – even on the go.
Google also provides cloud storage for accessing your documents from anywhere: Every user can secure 15 gigabytes of storage space for free on "Google Drive" . Those who need more space can add up to 30 terabytes for an additional fee.
Google has created a special product specifically for businesses: the so-called "G Suite," a cloud-based software package with components such as email, calendar, office applications, video/phone conferencing, and cloud storage . Google assures that the application environment "meets all legal requirements." However, this is not free: Depending on the scope of services, monthly costs range from €5,20 to €23 per user.
Google's collection and use of personal data has repeatedly drawn displeasure from users and consumer protection agencies in the past. Data protection advocates consider the business model particularly critical when Google links collected information, such as browser search histories with location data. This creates individual profiles, transforming surfers into "transparent users."
A list of all nearly 70 Google services can be found at www.google.de/intl/de/about/products . While the introduction of the GDPR has somewhat restricted data collection, it is still possible – for example, if the use of one's own data is explicitly permitted. Therefore, it is important to regularly review and adjust your privacy settings with Google (see checklist e).
If you want to be completely sure about data protection, you should read the respective terms and conditions or terms of use before using a Google service and, if necessary, ask your company's data protection officer about risks.
However, there is another way to prevent the use of customer and company-related data: Depending on the company and the intensity of use, it is advisable to purchase your own devices on which no sensitive data is stored.
1.) Go to the page https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info.
2.) Click "Sign in" and then enter your Google Account email address or phone number. Alternatively, you can create a new account by clicking "Create account." Select "Next," enter your password, and confirm it by clicking "Next."
3.) Click on "Personal Information" in the left menu bar and review/change it.
4.) Select "Data and Personalization" in the left menu bar.
5.) Click "Start now" under "Take a privacy check" at the top. Then check each individual item, such as "Web & App Activity" or "Location History." Adjust the settings by clicking "Manage."
6.) Select "Security" in the left menu bar and check the individual options for accuracy or adjust them accordingly. The options "Third-party apps with account access" and "Access by less secure apps" are particularly important.
7.) Click on "Contacts & Sharing" in the left menu bar and check/change the individual items, such as "Location Sharing" or "Decide what others can see."
8.) Select "Payments & Subscriptions" in the left menu bar and check the items for accuracy.
1.) Go to https://myactivity.google.com.
2.) Click "Sign in" and then enter your Google Account email address and password. Confirm by clicking "Next."
3.) You can find your individual saved search queries by clicking on the "Filter by data & product" option (at the top).
4.) Review all saved activity Google has recorded for your account under "Grouped View" or "Individual View." If needed, you can view more details or delete each entry by clicking the three dots on the right side.
5.) Select "Delete activities by" in the left menu bar. Here you can directly delete entries based on selected criteria.
6.) Select "Other Google Activity" in the left menu bar and click "Manage Activity" under each item. Here you can review and change your activity settings, for example, for "Voice and Audio Activity" or "YouTube Watch History."
7.) Scroll further down the page and check the entries under "Other Activities."
8.) Click on "Activity Settings" in the left menu bar and review/change them.
Newsletter
Write a comment