All about Google's new tool
2004-10-20 09:25
Washington - You've got lots of information stored on your hard drive. But there's a problem: You can't find it when you need it.
That, at least, is what some very large players in the software industry are betting. To solve the problem, Microsoft's next version of Windows will tout a new file system designed in part to let you find anything on the internet or on your hard drive.
Google, though, turned heads this week by beating Microsoft to the punch. Its new, free Google desktop search tool (desktop.google.com ) leverages Google's expertise in search and the familiar Google interface to give users a comprehensive search tool today.
But is Google's desktop search for you? Here are answers to some common questions.
Q: What exactly can Google desktop search find?
A: Google desktop search creates an index of the contents of supported file types.
It can index files from the Microsoft Office suite of applications, including Word and Excel, text files, internet files, and e-mail from Outlook and Outlook Express, the two most popular e-mail programs. It can even search chat logs from America Online Instant Messenger.
Q: Will Google desktop search index my WordPerfect files?
A: Not currently. The tool supports primarily Microsoft-based applications, although it does search any text-based file on your PC.
Q: Does Google desktop search look through both my hard drive in the internet simultaneously?
A: No. The tool is for indexing the contents of your hard drive only. However, because it uses the familiar Google interface, the familiar Web, Images, and Groups links appear above the main Search entry form.
That means that after you search items on your hard drive, you can simply click the Web or Groups link, for example, to move instantly to an internet or newsgroup search, using the same search term.
Q: Will the search slow down my computer?
A: Not noticeably. Initially, the tool will take several hours to comb through the information on your hard drive and index it. This process occurs in the background, and you can use your computer normally in the meantime.
Once the index has been completed, you're free to begin searching.
Q: How do I access the tool once it's installed?
A: Google desktop search places an icon in your Windows task bar. You can double-click the icon to bring up the Search interface, which is essentially your web browser with the familiar Google page displayed, except that the search performed will be specific to your computer.
You can right-click the desktop search icon in your task bar to bring up a menu from which you can configure the tool using the Preferences option.
Q: Does Google search work only on Windows?
A: Yes, and currently it works only on Windows 2000 or Windows XP. The tool is still in development, so improved compatibility will likely be among future enhancements.
Q: Why is the tool free? What's the catch?
A: Google puts out a number of free tools, including the Google toolbar (toolbar.google.com). At least for now, the tools are part of a branding strategy to make Google a part of every computer user's life. When that happens, obvious marketing possibilities exist.
Q: Does the search tool transmit any personal data back to Google?
A: When you first install the product, you're asked whether you will allow "usage data and crash reports" to be sent back to Google. If you do not agree, Google will not receive any information from the searches that you perform. - Sapa-dpa
- SAPA