New Google Tool - Deskbar

Google Deskbar

I have not downloaded this yet, and I am not sure I plan to. I'm not generally paranoid, and I usually try every new thing that comes along, but I guess I'm just getting wary of everyone knowing everything about me. This just feels like yet one more way for Google to know all and see all. (That really does sound paranoid, and I should probably just get over it). I also don't really see the great advantage in having it. I have no problem opening up my browser. Anyway, just thought I'd pass it along and see what others think.

I don't see the point to it. Opening a browser isn't that hard. And I am wary of Google's information gathering capabilities as well. No need for someone else to gather info on my computer use, especially when what is being offered isn't that great.

Well some of it is probably a proactive approach to the threat of Microsoft integrating their own search engine into the operating system...

- Shawn

yes i understand the point of it from google's standpoint. i just don't see a real need for it from a user's standpoint. but maybe i'm shortsighted.

I had the same thought dazzlindonna when I saw the new tool the other day. I also don't like a companies icons and logos hovering around my workspace. That is one of the most annoying things about microsoft. like the msn messenger guy who insists on perching his annoying *** on your taskbar. I finally excommunicated him but I had to dig deep to find a way. I guess I'm just picky

I also don't see the benefit to the user. It's much more convenient to open a browser and pop a keyword into the Google toolbar, and then have the entire browser window to use.

Ninnie

From a personal point of view I find it useful. In my job I check through a lot of sites, resources, tutorials, new software etc.

It's very good if you're working your way through tutorials or researching something just for the time saved (lot less clicks, easy copy/paste, short cut buttons etc).

I didn't see the benefit until I downloaded it and tried it out... the big benefit to users is the custom search abilities - it allows you to set up a search of ANY form on the internet and attach hot keys to launch it.

So for instance, I've got it set up so that I can type a keyword into the google deskbar, hit ctrl + o, and instantly it calls up the overture search term tool with the keyword I typed in... this is just way too cool people, download it today you won't be disapointed.

And you can easily turn off the 'send info back to google' thing... I watch it pretty close with Zone Alarm, it still checks for a new version once a day, but with ZA you can choose to block that too if you like (not that there's much point).

I definitely use it a lot more than I thought I would.