Earlier this week, Google introduced a new service called Google Desktop Search capable of full text searching your email (Outlook), some computer files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, text files), AOL instant messages, and web pages you’ve viewed. Apparently, additional file types will also be added soon.
After a quick download and install, the Google Desktop icon loads in your system tray. Simply click on it to start your search. However, it takes time (several hours) for Google to index your content, so the search won’t work right away.
According to Google, the privacy of your documents is protected as the program does not make your computer’s content accessible to Google or anyone else.
Read more about it on the About Google Desktop Search page. SearchEngineWatch has also compiled a number of reviews.