Desktop Search

[Tom]

Has anyone else tried Google Desktop Search (http://desktop.google.com/)? I installed it this morning and I think I'm going to like it.

The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32109-2004Oct14.html) comments that 'Google's new "desktop search" software offers what Microsoft has been trying to develop for more than a year'.

It provides standard Google-type results, but from your own hard drives. For someone with a lot of text files (me!) it looks a lot more helpful than Windows Explorer.

[francis]

Did you read the EULA (http://desktop.google.com/eula.html) before installing it? That's what's put me off:

Consent to Collect Non-Personal Information

Google Desktop Search may collect certain non-personally identifiable information that resides on your computer, including, without limitation, the number of searches you do and the time it takes to see your results. Unless you choose to opt out, either during installation or at any time after installation, non-personal information collected will be sent to Google. This information will be used by Google only for purposes of operating and improving future versions of Google Desktop Search and will not be disclosed to any third party or used for any purpose other than as described in this agreement. To learn more, please read the Privacy Policy located at desktop.google.com/privacypolicy.html

And this from the privacy policy (http://desktop.google.com/privacypolicy.html):

How we use unique application numbers, cookies and related information.

Your copy of Google Desktop Search includes a unique application number. When you install Google Desktop Search, this number and a message indicating whether the installation succeeded is sent back to Google so that we can make the software work better. Additionally, when Google Desktop Search automatically checks to see if a new version is available, the current version number and the unique application number are sent to Google. If you choose to send us non-personal information about your use of Google Desktop Search, the unique application number with this non-personal information also helps us understand how you use Google Desktop Search so that we can make it work better. The unique application number is required for Google Desktop Search to work and cannot be disabled.

I guess it's down to how much you trust people...

[Tom]

I'm afraid I'm not much in the habit of reading small print [I once ticked a box on an application form for immigration into the USA to say that, amongst other things, the reasons for my visit were to organise vice and assassinate the president]. I would not like it if they were collecting my credit card numbers but hope the https:// system prevents that. And with the boring life I lead there is not much to hide!

[francis]

Ha ha!

When you order a Dell PC online, you have to check a box that states that you're not going to use the machine for any acts of terrorism. As if anyone is likely to say that's what they're going to use it for...