Google has upgraded its online package of word processing and spreadsheet programs so that they work even more like the Microsoft applications with
which they're competing.

The changes introduced recently include several editing tools for word processing and quicker ways to fill cells in spreadsheets. The new features have long been staples in Microsoft’s widely used Office suite of software.

Google has been trying to lure users away from Microsoft's products for several years in an effort to siphon revenue from one of its biggest rivals. At the same time, Google hopes to diversify its own business , lessening its financial dependence on Internet advertising powered primarily by its search engine.
Winning converts has taken time because Google requires people to reach its programs over the Internet — a concept that has become known as “cloud computing.” Microsoft's competing applications typically are installed on individual computers.