Google Pack Bundles Trillian

[Jeff]

As expected, Google's co-founder Larry Page announced Google Pack during his Friday afternoon keynote address at CES. What is Google Pack? It's a free suite of handy software programs that have been hand-picked by Google for quality. In Google's own words, Google Pack is:

• Essential: Enjoy safe, useful software for your computer
• Simple: Download and install everything in just a few clicks
• Customizable: Choose only the software you want
• Up-to-date: Get software and new updates via Google Updater

Google Pack requires Windows XP with administrator privileges (sorry Mac users).

There's nothing new in the Google Pack -- all of the programs are already available. So why bother? Well, Google Pack uses a single installer to make it easier to install any or all of the components at once. The installer also helps keep things up-to-date automatically.

What's included? Google Pack consists of both Google software and respected third-party alternatives.

Google Software:

• Google Earth
• Google Desktop
• Picasa
• Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
• Google Pack Screensaver
• Google Talk

Additional Software:

• Mozilla Firefox with Google Toolbar
• Norton Antivirus 2005
• Ad-Aware SE Personal
• Adobe Reader 7
• RealPlayer
• GalleryPlayer HD Images
• Trillian

These are all good tools, and the updater provides Google with a nice foot in the door to your PC. If you're comfortable using their tools and updater, you'll be more likely to try new programs and services as they come available.

The "I hate Microsoft" crowd will like the fact that it includes some great alternatives to Microsoft's offerings. Many people are already using these tools, but the Google Pack will make it easier for them to keep their versions up-to-date.

What I was most impressed by was the inclusion of Trillian instant messenger. Trillian's inclusion in the Google Pack is a huge endorsement for Trillian, and will likely win them a lot of new fans.

For more information or to download, visit the official Google Pack web site.

[Dr Kimble]

Just curious...is it Trillian Basic or Pro that is included?

[Jeff]

Trillian Basic is included... All of the programs in Google Pack are free. I've installed Google Pack on my laptop and it works pretty nicely. You can pick and choose which programs you want to install. The installation is a single process rather than a series of installations. And the Updater service should make staying up-to-date easier.

So far, I like it!

[Dr Kimble]

Thanks Jeff, I found the package very easy to download and I quite liked being able to pick and choose which parts I wanted installed. I must agree that so far I like it too.

Well this will definitely help save some time instead of going one by one picking what you want. It's nice to have a list of Google Products (plus some extra) all in one place and choose what you want. Google: Making life easier. :D