Google Introduces Software Starter Kit

#1 KoanYorel

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Posted 07 January 2006 - 10:31 PM

<img src='/images/comp_logos/google_medium.gif' style='float:right' vspace='8' hspace='8'> SAN FRANCISCO -- Google Inc. is distributing a free software startup kit designed to make computing safer and easier - a generous gesture driven by the company's desire to steer technology offline as well as online. The software bundle, unveiled Friday in Las Vegas during a speech by Google co-founder Larry Page, represents the Internet search engine leader's latest jab at industry kingpin Microsoft Corp. The suite of programs is designed to make it easier to install and maintain basic applications that have helped turn the PC into a hub of information, entertainment and communications. By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP BUSINESS WRITER Friday, January 6, 2006 · Last updated 4:01 p.m. PT <div class='newslinks'><img src='http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/public/style_images/1/cs_page.gif'> Link: <a href='http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/1700AP_Google_Software_Package.html' target='_blank'>Complete story at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer</a>

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#2 legoman786

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Posted 07 January 2006 - 11:37 PM

So, this 'pack' is available for free off the internet, and it's supposed to protect your computer better? Hmm... More stuff to clog up my RAM. :thumbsup:

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#3 Rimmer

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Posted 08 January 2006 - 12:17 AM

The only "protection" I see is a six month trial of Norton Anti-virus. For the rest you probably already have the good stuff :

Quote

The Google Pack includes Adobe Systems Inc.'s Acrobat Reader, RealNetworks Inc.'s media player, Mozilla's Firefox Web browser and Cerulean Studios' Trillian instant messaging program.

(I do NOT include RealPlayer in "the good stuff")

Quote

Six of the programs in the package are owned by Google, which had previously offered all but one on a piecemeal basis. A screensaver that automatically displays pictures stored on a personal computer is being introduced for the first time as part of the "Google Pack."

Well that's a big Ho-hum. :thumbsup:

This post has been edited by Rimmer: 08 January 2006 - 12:23 AM

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#4 Lanscader

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Posted 08 January 2006 - 01:19 AM

Everyone I know who knows about computers has that stuff anyway (minus RealPlayer). Kinda need it to get around the internet safely.

That screensaver is in XP, at least...I think they're just wasting effort with it.

This post has been edited by Lanscader: 08 January 2006 - 01:19 AM

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#5 jgweed

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Posted 08 January 2006 - 11:38 AM

Seems to me like this software package is somewhat redundant, but we will have to wait and see when it finally comes out precisely why it benefits anyone. I would be wary, myself, of any program that automatically updated ANY application on my machine, just as much as I am wary of MS automatic updates. I still believe I should choose what is on my hard drive.

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#6 boopme

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Posted 08 January 2006 - 11:22 PM

Smells like Big Brother to me. Their toolbar and email already monitors you for "selective advertising" and what else!

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#7 yano

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Posted 09 January 2006 - 07:15 PM

I'm glad to hear Google doing this! :D

However I think many people are being mislead. Not all programs included are for your "protection." This is a "starter" kit. These are usually the program needs right after you format your computer.

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#8 Neverwill

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Posted 09 January 2006 - 07:50 PM

well it sure would help the less technical experianced people to be safer...hah i couldnt find the correct wording for technical experianced

#9 BirdofPrey

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Posted 19 February 2006 - 03:01 PM

There's a google article right above this one about google copying your hard drive,that could later cause privacy issues.You sure that bundle is worth it???