Installing Google Desktop on your personal computer is very similar to installing any other software. It’s a simple process. Just follow the onscreen directions, and prompts. You'll be guided easily though the installation process.
1. Visit http://desktop.google.com/. Check to make sure you have a 32-bit Windows Vista/XP operating system. You can also switch to the Mac or Linux version of Google Desktop.
2. Click Install Google Desktop. A prompt will ask whether you want to save the GoogleDesktopSetup.exe file. Save the file.
3. After saving the file, click on the executable file to install. Click OK when prompted with a cautionary warning about executable files.
4. It will take a few seconds for the file to initialize. Read the terms and agree to Google’s Terms of Service to continue.
5. You will be prompted to select the Google Desktop features. Filename search is selected by default. You have to decide which features you wish to add. You can always change these settings later.
Enhanced Search: To really optimize desktop search, it is better to select Enhanced Search. This option will, in addition to basic file search, also search the content of files, web history, chat transcripts, emails and more. Every file, instant message, email or web page you accessed which includes your seach term will be identified. When it indexes all the pages in web history, it will eat-up a lot of memory, so you should skip if you are concerned about memory. It is also not a good option if you want to keep your IMs private. Similarly with email messages, if you are concerned about privacy or don't believe searching your emails is required, then skip the Enhanced Search option to save time and memory.
Sidebar with Gadgets: The Sidebar is placed on the right side of your desktop. It holds gadgets to display emails from your Gmail account, latest news, and weather. It even has a scratch pad for random notes. You can add or remove gadgets to customize the sidebar. But, if you want simple Desktop search software, skip the Sidebar.
6. When you've selected the features you want, click Done.
7. Google Desktop includes start-up notes to help familiarize you with features and shorcuts, such as pressing CTRL twice brings up the Quick Search Box. Click OK to exit the note.
With this, the installation of Google Desktop is complete. If you chose to install the sidebar, you will see it on the right side of your desktop. You will see gadgets icon in your taskbar and Google Desktop icon in your start-up and desktop.
To search, either use the search box in the sidebar or bring up the Quick Search Box.
You are all set to start searching your personal computer.