Google Pack is essential software specifically chosen by Google for new computer owners. The software contains programs which are ready to use “out of the box” and contain no trial offers or spyware and is absolutely free.
Software Available
Users must download Google Updater, which checks the users programs and will upgrade to the latest version, if necessary. Users with Google Updater have the choice of downloading the following programs:
Google-brand programs
- Google Desktop
- Personalize your desktop experience by adding your info and widgets to your sidebar. Find all your email and files using Google Desktop Search on your own pc.
- Picasa
- Easily find, edit and share your photos in seconds.
- Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
- Block annoying popup ads and search the web from any web page.
- Google Photos Screensaver
- Display photos as your screensavor and watch them as a slideshow.
- Google Earth
- Tour the world from space to street. Find maps, driving directions, hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
- Google Talk
- Send and receive files and voice messages with your friends via IM or free voice calls.
Third-party programs
- Mozilla Firefox with Google Toolbar
- Switch between pages quickly with tabbed browsing. Browse the web quickly and securely using Firefox and Google Toolbar.
- Spyware Doctor Starter Edition
- Detects and removes spyware, adware and other nuisances on your PC. Includes updates and scheduling to protect your PC.
- Norton Security Scan
- Detect and eliminate viruses and worms through scheduled scanning. Includes free detection updates.
- Adobe Reader 8
- View, print and search PDF files or secure your own documents and collaborate via online with real-time meetings.
- RealPlayer
- Play and organize your favorite media files. Transfer them to your iPod or other portable media players.
- Skype
- Make free voice and video calls to anyone who uses Skype or call landlines and mobile phones for a low rate.
- StarOffice
- An MS Word replacement software which includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and more.
The Google Pack makes it easy for webmasters or even the typical PC user to download and use software needed for everyday computing. Instead of buying MS Office for over a hundred dollars and downloading tons of additional software, Google offers tons of great software for absolutely free.
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Written: Dec 16, 2007Tags: free, google pack, software
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Or just install Linux Ubuntu…
Google has been doing a great job of not saturating the pack and keeping it with select tools that everyone should use.
Well, almost. The Google toolbar isn’t of much use. And why on earth are people still using Internet Explorer?
Well, almost. The Google toolbar isn’t of much use. And why on earth are people still using Internet Explorer?
Other than that… great post!
But still… Linux Ubuntu.
Webmasters use Internet Explorer all the time, especially when designing a website. We have to know what the site looks like to the average user, and since around75% still use Internet Explorer, its a safe bet that many who come to the website will be using it, so the site better damn well look presentable on it.
As for Linux/Ubuntu, I’m a fan, but Linux still has problems with a lot of graphic cards, especially ones for notebooks.
Also, the graphic capabilities are poor. Not as many fonts for Linux as there are for Macs/Windows so design goes down. And of course again, for webmasters sites look different on Linux vs Windows vs MacOS.
For the ‘average’ person Ubuntu should be enough, but even in some cases it isn’t.
“Webmasters use Internet Explorer all the time, especially when designing a website. We have to know what the site looks like to the average user, and since around75% still use Internet Explorer, its a safe bet that many who come to the website will be using it, so the site better damn well look presentable on it.”
There is a difference in “checking IE to make sure a website works in it”, and installing Google toolbar for IE because it’s a good tool.
I know a LOT of people who run websites in IE and on different OS’s to make sure they look right for all users, but I know very few who actually -use- IE.
And on Ubuntu… you’re right. It can be a pain using certain graphics cards. That being said, it’s getting better and the next few releases should bring it up to speed.
In regards to fonts, there are PLENTY of fonts available for Ubuntu. You just have to know where to look for them.
Don’t you think Google Toolbar is a bit of a overkill? Why should you need it?
You know, it is in a lot of cases. However, I do recommend it for those who use IE6. Yeah, they should be using Fx of course, but there are people out there who just plain don’t like it. My girlfriend’s mom especially, she hates Firefox with a passion and she wouldn’t even bother with Opera and Safari… so yeah, there are people out there.
Anyways, the Google Toolbar is good for those who use IE6 because 1) it gives tabs. 2) Pagerank, argue if it is still useful or not… but people still use it, especially paid-for-posts, blog-for-money programs, text-link buyers, etc. 3) Easily search Google with the built-in toolbar.
I don’t use it as I don’t have a need for it. I only use IE on some occasions to check out websites, so that’s all I need it for. Google Toolbar Fx isn’t needed either since I have plugins which do the pagerank part.
But the great thing about the Google Pack is that you can choose exactly what software you want and only download those. Google Talk, Picasa, Google Earth, Security Scan and Skype are all quality programs.