Using the Third-Party Software in Google Pack

I've covered the other Google programs included in Google Pack elsewhere in this book; turn to those chapters to learn more about Google Earth, Google Desktop, Google Toolbar, Picasa, and the like. Let's now turn our attention to the non-Google programs included in Google Packall of them free.

Surfing the Web with Mozilla Firefox

Chances are you use Microsoft's Internet Explorer as your web browser. That's fine, but IE isn't the only browser available.

Google Pack includes a copy of Mozilla Firefox, a top-notch web browser that many people are using as an alternative to Internet Explorer. As you can see in Figure 35.5, Firefox offers tabbed browsing, where multiple websites can be displayed on different tabs within the browserinstead of in separate browser windows. This version of Firefox also comes with the Google Toolbar preinstalled. (Find out more at www.mozilla.com/firefox/.)

Figure 35.5. The Mozilla Firefox web browser.

Fighting Viruses with Norton Antivirus 2005 Special Edition

Norton AntiVirus is, as the name implies, a program that protects your computer against computer viruses, worms, and the like. It not only scans and cleans the files on your computer's hard disk, it also scans incoming and outgoing email attachments, blocks viruses in instant messages, and automatically downloads new virus definitions on a regular basis.

The version of Norton AntiVirus in Google Pack is the only program that isn't completely free. While it comes with a six-month free trial, you'll have to pay for a subscription to keep it up-to-date after that point.

Fighting Spyware with Ad-Aware SE Personal

Antivirus programs stop computer viruses; to stop spyware, you need an antispyware programsuch as Ad-Aware SE Personal. This program protects against all manner of spyware, including adware, browser hijakckers, and the like. The version of Ad-Aware that comes with Google Pack, shown in Figure 35.6, is completely free. (Find out more about Ad-Aware at www.lavasoftusa.com.)

Figure 35.6. The Ad-Aware antispyware program.

Viewing PDF Files with Adobe Reader

Adobe Reader is the program you use to view PDF files. You probably already have a version of Adobe Reader installed on your PC; the version that comes with Google Pack is the latest version available. (Find out more at www.adobe.com.)

Playing Music and Videos with RealPlayer

When you want to play digital music, CDs, downloaded videos, and the like, you need a media player program. Playing media is what RealPlayer does, as you can see in Figure 35.7; you can also use the program to transfer songs to your iPod or other portable audio player device. (RealPlayer is an optional component of Google Pack; find out more at www.real.com.)

Figure 35.7. The RealPlayer music and video player program.

Viewing GalleryPlayer HD Images

The final item in Google Pack isn't really a program, it's a collection of high-resolution images, like the ones shown in Figure 35.8. These images are provided by GalleryPlayer, a company that packages fine-art photos and images for purchase; the images included with Google Pack are free, however. (GalleryPlayer HD Images is an optional component of Google Pack; find out more at www.galleryplayer.com.)

Figure 35.8. A selection of GalleryPlayer images.

Commentary: Why Google Pack?

Why in the world does Google Pack exist?

Well, for users, it's a convenient way to download and install Google's various programs. It's also possible that you might need a web browser, a media player, and the like, so having them included in the pack is an added bonus.

To be fair, however, you probably already have Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player installed on your PC, so installing alternative programs might not be necessary. Calling Google Pack "essential software" might be overstating the case. These programs are only essential if you have a computer with absolutely nothing else installed; let's call these applications "desirable" rather than "essential," okay?

For Google, Google Pack is an opportunity to compete directly with Microsoft in both the browser and desktop application markets. Google doesn't (as yet) offer its own web browser or media player, so bundling Firefox and Real Player fills some very real gaps in the big G's product lineupand provide an added incentive to download and install Google's own applications.

That said, I do have trouble seeing both the appeal of Google Pack to consumers and the value of Google Pack to Google. It's nice and all, but it's not compellingin my opinion, anyway.