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Google Earth has become one of the most useful programs for both recreation and serious research of locations around the globe using real 3-D satellite imagery. It doesn't stop there, though, when it comes to how the program works and how it could possibly affect those who use it. Below is a basic rundown of what you can do with the free basic version of the program, some little-known features-plus a brief look at its psychological impact and its potential dangers in the future.

The only place you can download Google Earth is at GE's website: earth.google.com. The basic version (4.1 the latest update as of May 2007) is free to download-and it only takes a few minutes to set it up on a high-speed internet line. It's recommended that if you have a desktop older than four years old, you not download the program. The same goes for laptops older than two years old. And, as mentioned above, you'll need high-speed internet in order to appreciate the program at full capacity. It's not that it won't work on dialup though. Unless you have hours to spare in waiting for things to load (and I think most of the world's population are at the point of saying "NO WAY!" to that), it's best to wait to use until you have a high-speed line. It's recommended you ideally have 512 MB of memory space (minimum: 128 MB) and 2 GB of hard disk space. It works the best on Windows XP or Vista too. It also helps to have a 1280x1024 32-bit color monitor to appreciate the 3-D images the best. However, some smaller monitors are still workable.

Two other versions of Google Earth exist: (1) The "Plus" edition that's a $20-a-year subscription service. This version has real-time GPS satellite imagery capability. It also has the ability for you to import important data such as spreadsheets in finding houses within the real estate industry. (2) The "Pro" edition is $400 for a year-and has faster data delivery speed in addition to being usable for presentations in business meetings.

Back to the free version you've just downloaded: Once you click on the GE icon on your desktop-you're shown an orbital satellite image of our beautiful planet Earth that you can spin any direction you want. Self-explanatory navigational controls at the bottom of the screen enable you to zoom in on any particular location on the planet that interests you. The slower you go on the zoom function-the eerie feeling you'll get of entering the Earth's atmosphere as you would during re-entry on the Space Shuttle. It's the closest

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