Windows in the Enterprise: First Take: Google desktop search

[Windows in the Enterprise: Best of myITforum]

Title: Windows in the Enterprise: Best of myITforum

October 21, 2004 Published by  TechTarget Windows in the Enterprise: Best of myITforum Issue Sponsored By:   > Argent -- The Systems Management Experts   Measuring the ROI of Systems Management Software A leading analyst firm states that "Argent delivers what a growing number of enterprises need today: flawless management of Windows, UNIX, and application servers; low total cost of ownership; flexible configuration; scalable architecture; modular products; positive ROI; and outstanding customer support. Every enterprise IT department wants value without sacrificing performance, and that describes Argent's value proposition." Click here to read this ROI Paper.   First Take: Google desktop search [ by Rod Trent, Editor, myITforum.com ] If you've been watching the industry news headlines, you know that Google has been busy. Google is an ever-expanding force. It's trying hard to expand beyond being a search engine company. Who knows? Maybe it'll be successful. But sometimes expanding beyond limits means you'll explode. Mount St. Helens, watch out! Most of what I've seen from Google over the past few years, I've really liked. With its latest release, I'm not quite sure I feel that same way. Google recently released the beta of its Desktop Search Tool -- http://www.desktop.google.com/ I installed this recently and here are some of the things I found. The installation was seamless (except for the regular local firewall warnings about some program trying to access the Internet). It installed a component that needed to sift through my local computer, which took some serious CPU cycles until it finished. I then noticed a Desktop icon for the Google Desktop search (why does anyone install an icon to the desktop anymore?) and an icon in my System Tray. I don't mind the System Tray icon as much as someone trying to clutter my normal desktop. Why? Well, I simply can't see my Startgate SG-1 wallpaper as well if vendors keep installing icons without asking me. But here's the kicker about the Google Desktop. When you do a search, everything that gets indexed (you can choose the items) shows up in an IE Web page. OK, that's nice, but how many Microsoft Outlook e-mails do you really want to view in a Web page? The output reminds me of the Google groups interface, which is hard to read and navigate. I've watched several communities since the Google Desktop Search release and, while some folks like the new Google tool, I can see a fair number of people agree with me. I understand that Google wants to leverage what has gotten it this far (the Web), but a lot of people like me spend almost their entire day in Microsoft Outlook. If I'm going to pick a tool to help me enhance my daily duties, I'm going to pick the one that best integrates with what I'm doing now. This is why I chose IntraVnews for my RSS Reader. Work with me -- don't try to change my work habits. That costs me time. Personally, I'm still loving Lookout (a recent Microsoft acquisition). You can get it here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=09b835ee-16e5-4961-91b8-2200ba31ea37&DisplayLang=en. And read more about it here: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=33217. After testing Google Desktop, I'll stick with Lookout until Google gives me something better. Of course, this is just a beta version, so we'll wait and see if Google can improve on it. On a similar note, some who didn't like either Lookout or the Google Desktop Search, raved about Copernic's latest Desktop Search tool: http://www.copernic.com/en/products/desktop-search/index.html I tried this a few weeks ago and agree it's a great tool. I was using Copernic's products long before there was a Google. But Copernic's Desktop Search is also an external application (external to Microsoft Outlook), which doesn't fit into my daily work habits. Also, the indexing seemed to take a lot of my computer's CPU cycles -- too many for me to be happy with it and I have a powerhouse of a machine. Your experience may be different. Try it out if you get a chance. This article first appeared in myITforum, the premier online destination for IT professionals responsible for managing their corporations' Microsoft Windows systems. The centerpiece of myITforum.com is a collection of member forums where IT professionals actively exchange technical tips, share their expertise, and download utilities that help them better manage their Windows environments, specifically Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS). It is part of the TechTarget network of Web sites. To register for the site and sign up for the myITforum daily newsletter, click here ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rod Trent, manager of myITforum.com and Microsoft MVP is a leading expert on Microsoft Systems Management Server. He has more than 18 years of IT experience -- eight of which have been dedicated to SMS. He is the author of such books as Microsoft SMS Installer, Admin911:SMS, and IIS 5.0: A Beginner's Guide, and has written literally thousands of articles on technology topics. MORE INFO:  >  Deploying the Google Toolbar  >  Google search from the IE address bar  >  Clearing the Google Search Bar History  >  The myITforum Web Browser Toolbar Contact Us Sales For sales inquiries, please contact us at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Editorial For feedback about any of our articles or to send us your article ideas, please contact us at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Free E-Newsletters! Select e-newsletters you would like to receive via e-mail! SearchWin2000: Active Directory Tip SearchWin2000: Certification Tip Not a Member? We'll activate your membership with your subscription. ABOUT THIS E-NEWSLETTER This e-newsletter is published by TechTarget, the most targeted IT media and events company. Copyright 2004 TechTarget. 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