SubscribeEarlier this month, Google released a free collection of software known as the Google Pack. It is intended to help with setting up a new computer, or enhancing an existing one, by providing a one-installer package of “essential software.” On the Google Pack website, you can customize what software is included in your pack. There are many options:
- Google Earth
- Picasa
- Google Pack Screensaver (photo screensaver)
- Google Desktop
- Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
- Mozilla Firefox with Google Toolbar
- Norton Antivirus 2005 Special Edition (with free 6-month subscription)
- Ad-Aware SE Personal
- Adobe Reader 7
- Google Talk
- GalleryPlayer HD Images
- RealPlayer
- Trillian
Any software that you choose to download will be kept up-to-date by an application called the Google Updater.
However, according to a SuperSite for Windows review, the security software is sorely out of date, not all of the programs included are at their latest versions, the Start Menu and notification area are expectably cluttered, and RealPlayer will prompt users to upgrade to a paid version.
Though I don’t think the SuperSite for Windows review makes clear enough the fact that you can customize which applications you download in the pack, so, thankfully, you can just download the “good programs.”
Meem responded on 19 Jan 2006 at 10:53 pm #
John, have you tried using the trillian software from Google pack? Somehow I cudn’t sign in to my msn messenger through trillian. But I think the real problem with IMs like Yahoo messenger, msn, icq and even trillion is that you have to get it downloaded on your computer before you can start sending IM. So if you are using a computer at school, the library, cybercafes or the workplace which does not have your IM software downloaded, you can’t use it. Unless, you use MEEBO! http://www.meebo.com
It is a web-based IM that lets you sign in to all your IM services at one go, by just going to meebo’s website. You don’t have to download anything. Now, I think Meebo is one step ahead of Trillian, or any other IM services for that matter.
John Lamansky responded on 20 Jan 2006 at 7:47 pm #
Wow, this is very cool! Thanks Meem. This will very likely come in handy when I’m in a library, etc.
Carmelo Lisciotto responded on 05 Apr 2007 at 3:24 pm #
I had problems with Trillian as well.
Carmelo Lisciotto