Google Tools

This week we will be reviewing many tools that are available from Google, through their Google Pack bundle. The Google Pack bundle is a valuable collection of software that is very helpful to any teacher. It includes the following:

• Google Earth- 3d earth browser (highly recommended for geography teachers)
• Picasa- Photo Organization and editing software (Very helpful for large amounts of photos)
• Google Pack Screen saver- Screen saver that uses your photos (Fun but not necessary)
• Google Desktop- search files and email on your PC (Very useful and fast, may not be necessary with new Windows-Vista)
• Google toolbar for IE (somewhat helpful but not necessary)

Additional Software

• Mozilla Firefox with Google tool bar (Great Browser for teachers, not necessary if you already use Firefox.
• Norton Anti virus (Remove from download unless you have no other anti virus, it is not good for system to run more than one anti virus, and chances are the one you have on your pc is better than this one.
• Ad-Aware- A good ad-ware removal program. (Keep this and run it)
• Adobe Reader 7 (If you don't have this version it is worth the time to upgrade)

Optional Software

The Google folks may disagree, but none of the optional tools are very helpful. I would especially avoid Real Player, if you need to play Real content I'll provide an alternative. in a later post.