Joho the Blog
An Entry from the Archives

« Conversation Network || Back to Blog | ESBNs »

January 11, 2006

Unpacking Google Pack

The Google Pack of free software consists of packages I've either already installed or already uninstalled. It's way more boring than what we're used to from Google. But ZDnet UK has an interesting take on it:

It's an upgrade channel, a path straight to your desktop. Microsoft has one with Windows Update; Google wants the same. Expect this to develop rapidly, with many more options such as Open Office — too big, too many implications for the first release — and plenty of pre-installs on new computers.

So long as Google doesn't do what Microsoft does with its automatic upgrade facility: After installing a critical update, it sometimes reboots your machine without asking you. (It's a settable default but it's set to default the wrong way.) [Tags: google googlePack microsoft]

Posted by D. Weinberger at January 11, 2006 09:25 AM

Comments

David:

In Vista, there is a new "feature" called the Restart Manager that will significantly reduce the number of reboots required after a system update (and third-party software installations as well). It will be able to shut down and restart the discrete set of processes that cause a full system restart today.

I agree completely that Google Pack is an open door onto your PC for Google to push applications and services in a much more aggressive fashion.

The difference I see between Google Pack and Windows Update is the focus of the push. Windows Update primarily pushes critical patches to the system in it's default Express Mode. Yes, you can get updates to non-essential items like newer drivers, more DRM, etc. but that's an option.

And yes, there's Office Update and the new, combined Microsoft Update as well. But the emphasis is still updates.

Google Pack, OTOH, is pushing whole products (their own and third-party alternatives to some of Microsoft's standard Windows offerings) as well as updates to those you've opted to install.

Posted by: Marc Orchant | January 11, 2006 10:04 AM

This is the text we see when opening pack.google.com:
Thank you for your interest in the Google Pack; unfortunately, it is not currently available in your country.
People say Google is restricting some of its services in Iran.

Posted by: esmail | January 11, 2006 02:37 PM

A couple of days ago I reached this exact conclusion, where I believe it is not about the Pack, but about the Updater -- I wrote about this on my blog: http://www.cenriqueortiz.com/weblog/Google/2006/01/08/Google-Pack-Is-it-about-the-Pack-or-the-Updater.html

ceo

Posted by: C. Enrique Ortiz | January 11, 2006 10:05 PM

Post a comment

Guidelines for Commenting

Basically, you can say what you want. (Click here for the fine print.)

If you haven't left a comment here before, your comment may be put into a queue for me to approve. Sorry for the delay. Blame the damn spammers.