Wow, this changes everything. Google Desktop Search is now out of beta, but it is the upgrades that will have the greatest impact. Google has hit the ball out of the park on this one, and Microsoft is once again running last. Sorry for the mixed metaphors there, but you'll see what I mean. Google now offers an API so that developers can create plugins for Desktop Search. This means that virtually any application can now be searched via Google Desktop Search. (There may be some exceptions, but you get the basic idea). This is huge, as the limitations of the program have essentially been removed. The new version also now works with both Firefox and Thunderbird. The beta did not support either, which is the sole reason I never used the application in the first place. I now plan to use it, since it can now accomodate my needs. In addition, you can use a floating search box anywhere on the desktop. This pretty much strips all power from Microsoft, as the application is now browser and window independent. This new version of Google Desktop Search is the smartest, most powerful move Google has made yet, in my opinion. This move ups the ante tremendously in the search engine wars.
Oh, and for those who were concerned about the security problems in the beta version, Google has addressed those as well. You can now prevent it from storing secure web pages, as well as password protected Office documents.
