Seriously, what is it? Google tells us it’s a free collection of essential software. Is this simply a bundle of softwares that will make your computer safe, useful, enjoyable and free from viruses? Are they all essential? No, I don’t think so. Some of them are not really useful. I’m sure that there are lots of things going on behind the curtains and the most noticable issue is that Google and Microsoft battles for users for their online services, hence Google released Google Pack to lure more online users.
Google Pack was released earlier today and it contains many applications that may help new computer users get the most out of their PC.
What’s included:
Google Software
- Google Desktop
- Google Earth
- Google Pack Screensaver
- Google Talk
- Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
Additional Softwares
- Ad-Aware SE Personal
- Adobe Reader 7
- GalleryPlayer HD Images
- Mozilla Firefox 1.5
- Norton AntiVirus 2005 SE
- RealPlayer
- Trillian
Some people are wondering why Google included Norton and Real in their Google Pack when they could have easily included free alternatives such as AVG and VLC Player. According to some of my sources, Google might have been paid by companies such as Norton and Real in order to be included in the bundle. Take note that the special edition of Norton Antivirus 2005 that comes with this bundle only includes 6 months subscription to updates and has no Norton Internet Worm Protection. I don’t think Realplayer is essential that it should come with Google Pack by default. It has so many bloat. I rather use Windows Media Player, Winamp classic or iTunes for all my music listening pleasure. Some die-hard Google fans were really upset because of the inclusion in these softwares in the package. It’s also noteworthy that Open Office is not included in the pack, most probably because of its size.
Most of these applications are already installed in my computer, what makes Google Pack worth downloading? Well, perhaps because all these bundled softwares come in one big installer and it’s very convenient to update them all using a single updater (and that’s it… it’s just convenient but not really useful). It’s just wonderful that you can select and deselect the programs you want to install or remove even before downloading the bundle… so get rid of what you dislike before downloading Google Pack.
Links:
Customize Google Pack or Download it now