The Google Pack software is a free collection of useful tools and utilities for everyone especially web developers. To know how the Google Pack software collection can help you, read free software from Google in the Google Pack.
Though, you can download Google Pack software in its entirety with a few mouse clicks, Google being the smart company it is, allows you to choose the software you want to download and install from the collection.
I am going to classify the software and utilities available for download in the free Google Pack software in categories as I deem fit. Some software is indispensable for web developers, some utilities are for one-and-all while some are more for fun and enjoyment. So here goes...
Download Firefox the second most popular web browser
All web developers (and I mean ALL) should download Firefox and install it on their systems to check how their web sites appear in this web browser. Based on the statistics of my web sites, almost 38% of surfers use this browser. Maybe these numbers are skewed (stats usually are) because my web sites are geared more towards web developers and web designers; they being the ones to adopt or try out different technologies and software faster than others. But even so, if one looks at the Global web browser usage statistics, the Firefox browser has a fair share - almost 12%. And you cannot afford to have a web site that does not work well for 12% of your visitors (especially true if you are using browser specific tags and a WYSIWYG editor). Also, writing W3C compliant HTML or CSS does not guarantee that a web site will appear the same in Internet Explorer and Firefox web browsers.
Final verdict - It's almost a sin if as a web developer you do not download and install Firefox on your system to check your web sites.
Chrome - Google free web browser
Chrome was not a software I fell in love with immediately. I installed it after a few days of its release, checked it out quickly and quite simply forgot about it. Matt Cutt's blog post provided me the impetus to sincerely work on Chrome for a few days... and I was hooked! The no-nonsense and clutter free interface which was actually a put-off at the start, turned out to be the thing I love the most. There are no distracting icons and buttons which you will probably never use. I also like the single text field in which you can enter either the URL or the search query (searches performed using the Google engine). Chrome is supposedly faster (yes, a bit) and more secure (definitely).
Final verdict - Don't be without it! Use it religiously for a few days (get over the initial inhibition of working on a new program) and I'm sure you will make it the default browser on your computer.
Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer in the Google Pack software
The Google toolbar comes along with Firefox but for Internet explorer you need to download it from the Google Pack software. This toolbar helps you save time as you can perform a search on the Google index from any web page. It also provides some SEO details such as the Google PageRank and keyword sugggestions.
The Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer has the Enhanced Search Box that lets you not only search the Google database of web sites but also Google Images, Google News, Google Maps, Google Groups and more. The new search box also provides helpful suggestions based on your latest queries or the most popular queries of people around the world. If you are a web developer you will quickly understand the importance of this as a keyword suggestion utility. The PageRank display on the Google Toolbar is another thing that is important for web developers. It can help you ascertain whether a web site is good or bad. The Bookmarks feature allows you to store your favorite web sites at one place that can be accessed from any computer (you need a Google account for this... which is free any case). Some other features of the Google Toolbar are Pop-up Blocker, AutoFill, SpellCheck, Send To (with which you can "use your Google Toolbar to share web pages via email, text message (SMS), or blog") and much more.
Final verdict - Gotta download it especially if you are a web developer and use Internet Explorer regularly.
Download Google Desktop software
Another winner from Google. I first installed it on my system to replace the no-so-good search utility provided by Microsoft Windows. But this has proved to be much more. I have found the Google Gadgets and Sidebar that come with this tool to be very useful. I specially love the Scratch Pad ("type and save notes for yourself") and To Do list ("easily add new tasks, check off completed ones, and drag and drop items") - has helped little old forgetful me tremendously!
Final verdict - Get this tool for yourself without thinking twice. It's going to change how you work.
Skype and Google Talk to communicate easily with your friends,colleagues, relatives...
Do you have friends/relatives living abroad? If so, this is a must for you. As for me, I generally use Skype and Google Talk to stay in touch with my clients. I have even used Skype successfully to hunt for new customers. And I can not only chat and talk but also see them using video. Skype-to-Skype calls are free; so you can talk endlessly to someone if they are also on Skype. However, Skype also allows me to make calls directly to the telephone for a nominal charge... and here lie big savings.
Yes Siree! No more emailing for me. If I have a doubt I usually call my clients abroad and clarify the issue.
Final verdict - If you have a business that caters to clients and prospects abroad or simply want to stay in touch with friends/relatives abroad, Skype and Google talk will bring in mega savings in telephone bills.
Picasa Photo organizer in the Google Pack software
Picasa helps you instantly locate and organize all photographs and pictures on your computer. As a web designer, I have found it a mega time saver. Now I keep all the stock photos and clipart on my system organized in nice albums. In fact, Picasa even located some of the photos I forgot I had! Talk about efficiency! The program also lets you move and re-name pictures and photos, make an album to collate similar images, rate them and even password-protect selected collections.
Final verdict - Do you have a digital camera or are you a web designer - Picasa is a must!
Spyware Doctor Starter Edition for Google Pack users
Download this security tool that detects, removes and blocks all types of Spyware and Adware threats. With over 50 million downloads and one million each week, the Spyware Doctor is a trusted award winning tool for everyone. It's very easy to use and features intelligent automatic protection with frequent Smart updates that ensure you always stay protected. Final verdict - A useful Google pack software essential for all web surfers and Internet users. Period!
Norton Anti-virus software
Norton anti-virus software comes from Symantec Security Response, the world's leading Internet Security and response team. You get 6 month subscription to protection updates with the anti-virus tool. It scans and automatically removes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses protecting your systems from these pesky gremlins of the net.
Final verdict - If you don't have a virus scanner yet - get Norton now!
Google Pack Screensaver
Lets you create a screensaver of your photos and pictures. Now you don't need specialized skills to create screensavers. Just supply the images to the Google Pack screensaver and you will be able to "enjoy your favorite photos when your computer is idle". You can view the photos in full screen mode or as a collage. This is a fun piece of software and ideal for family computers.
Google Earth - 3D Earth browser
If you ever wanted to fly over your street or have a feel of the world through the eyes of a bird, Google Earth is for you. With this software you can zoom in from space almost to street level and tour the world if you want. The Google Earth web site mentions: It's the planet inside your PC; an atlas, encyclopedia and flight simulator, all rolled into one. You can also take virtual tours of certain places (like the Grand Canyon, for example). Additionally, Google Earth helps you locate maps, hotels, restaurants, provides driving directions and much more.
What's more in the Google Pack
In addition to the above, Google Pack also includes RealPlayer and Adobe Reader 7.
Download Google's free software pack
Enterprise Edition now available
