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When I first heard that Google was developing free software for users to download, I was a bit sceptical. I have seen supposed free software come and go. Many programs are not worth the time it takes to download. However, there are rare occasions when there is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

The Google Pack is a suite of applications and utilities which, can be downloaded and installed at once. The main program is actually called, "Google Updater." The updater software sits as a resident program in your taskbar and allows automatic software updates. Google Updater is also used as a download and install manager, which allows the user to access the many applications in one convenient interface.

The applications available through the Google Updater program are a various assortment of useful tools and utilities. The really great feature of this software is that you are not forced to install all of the software available. You download only the software you want and then the Updater software handles the downloads and installations for you.

1)Google Earth A program which allows the user to access satellite images of many places on the face of the Earth. The program also features the ability to look at a specific location at street level. One of the newest features is the ability to look at many locations through the CCTV cams located at street level in various cities. This program is more for fun than anything else, but if you are into looking at interesting features on the planet, then this would be a nice feature to include in your installation.

2)Picasa A free graphics and photo cataloging program which allows you to organize your photos. This program gives you the ability to print, create a web photo album, or share your photos through email with your friends and family. Also included is photo retouching software. The photo retouching software is not a full graphics software package, however, it does offer some basic image filters and tools, such as red eye removal.

3)Google Desktop This application indexes you hard drive and creates the ability to search your files and folders with the Google search tool on your desktop. The trouble I had with this particular software was the length of time it takes to index your hard drive for the first time. It took too long and rendered my laptop useless while this process was going on. Since I keep my hard drive very well organized I removed this application and my performance returned.

4)Norton Security Scan This is a

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