What's in Google Pack?

Just what applications are included in Google Pack? Google includes a core group of programs, as well as four optional programs you can download if you choose. At present, the core programs in Google Pack include

• Google Earth (discussed in Chapter 20, "Using Google Earth")

• Google Toolbar (discussed in Chapter 31, "Using the Google Toolbar")

• Google Desktop (discussed in Chapter 32, "Using Google Desktop")

• Picasa (discussed in Chapter 34, "Using Picasa")

• Google Pack Screensaver (photo screensaver, exclusive to Google Pack)

• Mozilla Firefox with Google Toolbar (an alternative to the Internet Explorer web browser, with Google Toolbar preinstalled)

• Norton Antivirus 2005 Special Edition (antivirus software)

• Ad-Aware SE Personal (anti-spyware program)

• Adobe Reader 7 (PDF reader)

Google also offers four optional programs that can be downloaded as part of Google Pack:

• Google Talk (discussed in Chapter 22, "Instant Messaging with Google Talk and Gmail Chat")

• Google Video Player (discussed in Chapter 25, "Downloading Video Entertainment from Google Video")

• RealPlayer (media player)

• GalleryPlayer HD Images (high-quality artwork and photos)

All the programs in Google Pack are freealthough some of the non-Google programs are limited versions of programs that have more fully featured paid versions. (You don't have to upgrade to the paid versions, however; you can use all the programs in Google Pack immediately after downloading.)