anyone tried that local machine google tool ?
 

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the one that practically indexes your local PC, I've heard good reviews about it , but to be honest, sounds like some quality spyware :>

If you search, there's another thread about the Google Desktop Seach Tool.

However, addressing the spyware issue:

Yes, there is a security issue if you're on a multi-user PC (it will index all content, regardless of who owns it). However, if you're the only person who uses a PC, Google isn't going to divulge your information to third parties, etc.

It's a search tool - the point of the tool is to search your harddrive for content, index it, and let you search it - that's why you installed it. Sure, it might show ads based on what content you have, but it doesn't submit a giant list of content to Google and let them go "hmm, I think we'll show this ad." You're not going to have to worry about spyware from Google, and I can promise you they won't violate the privacy policy - they'd have way too many pissed off people.

The whole spyware thing reminds me a bit of how people started screaming that GMail was going to have ads. I've used GMail since almost the day it came out and I think there are ads, but I never notice them :)

Google desktop does have a "phone home" component - but you can easily turn it off, or block it with your software firewall - is it considered spyware if they ask whether you want to send information?

Forgot to say - I quite like it - haven't noticed any system degradation - and it makes looking for emails a lot easier than the bloody built in search in outlook :)

I really like it . . hasn't slowed me down and has helped me find EVERYTHING faster than looking for it via Windows Explorer. Do it!

I had read about this also and had some of the same concerns about spyware, so as of yet have not tried it. After reading this thread I think I will go ahead and give it a try though.

Sorry there is a warning - software is still beta - not that that should necessarily stop anyone, but should be approached with caution.

Sounds too spyware for me

I still honestly don't understand how you can see it as spyware.

I've been using it since day one, and I think it's a great app.

Its good stuff except it doesnt care about users so if you have multiple users you can just check what stuff they have. Too much of an invasion of privacy to me, great idea mmm commercial spyware

It works great. It does what it is supposed to do. If you have a huge amount of files and folders on your pc, it is a worthwhile tool to have. It is free. If you don't like it you can uninstall it. What are you waiting for?

It does not currently re-index very well. If you delete (for example) an email, it will still appear in the search, which is kinda crappy.

Also, here is a not very complimentary review, with alternatives included:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/...781310729.html