Google Desktop Search

The Google Desktop search software enables a person to make searches among his or her own computer's files in much the same way that one would perform a regular search on the Web. This program is made by Google for Mac, OS X, Linux and Microsoft Windows. The software also searches through emails, music, photos, chats, and web pages recently viewed, as well as various other Google Gadgets. An important part of the Google Desktop is the Sidebar, which can hold several Gadgets and is only available with the Microsoft Windows version of Google Desktop. This free Google toolbar even comes with alerts for new emails or customized news reports.

After installation, the desktop search software begins indexing all of the files on the computer. This may take several hours for the initial installation. Afterwards, additional new files will be indeed as needed. During the first indexing period, Google Desktop has a limit of 100,000 files per drive. If a person has more than this amount, the other files will be indexed later. The program will only index after the computer encounters a pause in use of at least 30 seconds. Therefore, the indexing is not likely to interfere with a user's regular work. However, the various types of files will be indexed soon after viewing.

Software from the Google Desktop search program can index many different kinds of data -- email, web page history (from Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox), documents from Open Document and Microsoft Office formats, instant messenger transcripts from AOL, Google, Skype, and other types of multimedia files. Some file types may require the use of plug-ins in order to accomplish indexing. The choice of which types of data are indexed is left up to the user. Users can begin searching for files as soon as the program is installed. Results can also be returned in an Internet browser on the desktop search home page, much like a regular search.

The free Google toolbar is named Sidebar. This is an important feature in the desktop. It can hold several Gadgets (useful, smaller applications like a clock, weather report, various alerts, stock market quotes, etc.). Stationed off to one side of the desktop, the toolbar can be repositioned and resized to a certain extent. The Sidebar is part of the Microsoft Windows version of the Desktop search program. It comes already installed with the following Gadgets: email, scratchpad, photos, news, weather, and webclips. A whole gallery of other choices is available, and the user can customize the Gadgets as he or she prefers. Sidebar is personalized automatically, although a person can make changes as needed. The Sidebar can be set to Auto-Hide mode, where it will only appear if the user moves the cursor over towards the side where it is located. If not on Auto-Hide, the Sidebar will take up about 1/6 to 1/9 of the screen, and other windows will be resized. However, the Sidebar can be resized instead to take up less space. The feature which makes sure that the free Google toolbar is 'always on top' can be disabled, for sometimes the Sidebar will temporarily overlap onto maximized windows.

Using the Google Desktop search software gives easy access to your computer and the Web. By making one's computer searchable, the user does not have to organize files, emails or bookmarks manually. When searching, a person is brought to a page showing the most relevant results. Each result includes the file name and a brief portion of the file, with search terms highlighted. One can filter for certain types of items, such as photos or files, by using links at the top of the page. If desired, search results can be previewed right in the browser instead of opening up another window or waiting for the whole application to open.

A snapshot of files and other items is created by the Google Desktop search program when they are viewed and these are stored on the hard drive. Therefore, a person can use the desktop to find items which were accidentally deleted. An advanced search form is also part of the application. It is possible to investigate by file type, use exact words from the document, or restrict the search to a specific time period. Better security features are regularly being developed. Users are warned when they are about to visit a site which might be attempting to steal personal information or install malicious programs, so that he or she can decide whether to enter the site.

Scripture says that "It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." (Proverbs 25:2) A good deal of the fascination which people have with the Internet is due to the ability it affords to explore and discover information about areas which are interesting to the user. Applications which aid in these endeavors are almost certain to be well received. Designers of the Google Desktop search features seem to be attempting to meet the needs of individuals who utilize their applications. They even created a website where users are encouraged to interact with applications which are still in development, and leave comments and observations. Altogether, this feature, along with its free Google toolbar, is a firm step toward supplying customers with the applications that are most necessary for a positive and enjoyable Internet experience.

Add to: File Insurance Business article Teen Photo Images