Google Desktop 3

I don’t have it, but I plan on getting it. I am writing because I just got an email from my school stating that Google Desktop is ‘bad’.

Google unveiled Google Desktop 3, a free, downloadable program that includes an option to let users search across multiple computers for files. To do that, the application automatically stores copies of files, for up to a month, on Google servers. This feature could make personal data more vulnerable to subpoenas from the government and possibly private litigants, while providing a convenient one-stop-shop for hackers who’ve obtained a user’s Google password. [We] highly recommends our user community to NOT download and make use of the Google Desktop 3 program

The way this is worded, it seems Google Desktop 3 allows you to search any PC on the servers for any information you would like. This is not the case. I did a little research and the Search Across Computers function allows you to, using your Google account, connect PCs to their servers where it will add Word, Excel, Power Point, PDFs and Internet Temp files (excluding HTTPS). You also have the option to select which files you would like to search and which to exclude. There is not music or video files sharing, as the email implies, the risk of your password being stolen is always an issue, and if the government wants to subpoena you, they will find a way to do it. Besides, if you aren’t doing anything illegal, what do you have to worry about?

So, in my opinion, Google Desktop 3 will be a nice app to use. It will make backing up for me much easier. Get it Here. Later!