Google: Blur the Line A Little More

A long time fan of the Google search engine I use it every day and a person would be hard pressed to attempt to get me to change. This doesn't mean it is the only search engine I use but for most of my work it satifies every need I require in a search application.

A year or two ago when I was actively marketing on the internet Google introduced the Google Toolbar. It was great or I should say it is great because I still use it all the time. The toolbar integrated flawlessly into Internet Explorer and provided instant answers to questions I have during the course of building web sites. I have to admit though it was the popup blocker that attracted my attention. It works great too and soon through our consulting business we were recommending it to everyone due to two major reasons; one it worked without problems. and two it was free.

Since then numerous developers have introduced their own "toolbar" version that do many chores towards making your life easier. I have not recommended any of them. Before installing any toolbars into your software make sure you read the fine print of the softwares "Terms of Use" most often included with any application under consideration for installation. You will many times find that they are also installing stuff you don't want or things that will, in one way or another, pester you and possiblly even intrude on your privacy.

I get many newsletters in my email ranging from internet marketing to website design and maintenance to who knows what all. Yes I get lots of spam too! In one of these newsletters I came acros a headline that mentioned Googles latest toy so I checked out the information. First I went directly to the horses mouth, Google. I did a search for the question at hand the "Google Pack". I found that Google has introduced some software application that "they" think will help you have a better computer experience. You can take a look at what Google has to offer HERE.

I looked it over once and my first impression was BOOoooo! I absolutely can not recommend this collection of desktop applications in good conscous to anyone regardless of their needs.

I came across this article Hands on with Google Pack by Paul Thurrott ( January 8, 2006 ). I encourage you to check this article out as Paul has already done what many of you may want to do and that is to "take it for a test drive".

While it is true you can supposedly pick and choose what you want to install I say install none. Wait for a while. If you like what you see let Google work on it a little more and get any wrinkles, that may be present, worked out. Hey, if it takes off and becomes a must have thing trust me you will hear about it one way or another.

Well that's my two cents on this subject. I'll definately keep tabs on the issue as it develops.

Tim Fortune
Feb 19, 2006