DOING MORE WITH GOOGLE

As I stated in my last post, I use Google all the time.  In addition to the features previously discussed, I also use these features daily. 

iGoogle with tabs (Free).   I start with iGoogle because it gives me an integrated, customized location to control internet content important to me.  My home page shows my business Gmail account, my Google Calendar, a short-cut to Wikipedia, a dictionary, a “to do” list, Google Map search, and Google Documents. I love the “tab” feature which extends my home-page in an easily configurable and usable fashion.  I have three additional tabs on my iGoogle homepage.  I use the tabs to control and easily review blogs of interest.  Each tab has been set to receive RSS blog feeds of particular topics.  For example, my first tab feeds in law office management blogs, the second tab feeds blogs on effectively using Microsoft products, and my third tab feeds Macintosh blogs for the legal community.   I use this feature to keep the blogs from cluttering my email, while still retaining easy access for review. 

Google Calendar (Free).  I use this free calendar extensively for home and family.  Each family member’s calendar may be viewed by all.  This helps us get the kids to play practice while juggling two working parent’s schedules.  It now also has a built in Microsoft Outlook sync feature.

Google Desktop Search.   This is one of the most used tools on my computer.  This gadget allows you to bring the power of Google to your desktop.  Once installed, Google indexes your computer and allows quick easy searches for documents, emails, files or web-search results. 

Rodney Dowell, Esq., Director of Law Office Management Assistance Program, www.masslomap.org, 857-383-3250.