If you have a computer, you know what Google is. In fact, even if you don't have a computer, you have probably heard of Google. The name Google has become so popular that the word "google" has made it into the dictionary. It means "to search for information on the Internet, especially using the Google search engine."

About six years ago, the powers at AARP thought that perhaps I was writing about Google too much. I was quite surprised because they had never before questioned my judgment in the choice of topics for their website. I answered that I needed to write about Google because "Google was what was happening in the tech world." They acquiesced. Now, six years later, Google is still what is happening in the tech world.  Google has provided us with not only a great search engine, but it has been the propellant for everyone to offer programs and services for free.

Google has so many free services that I could not possible even list them all here. But today I would like to tell you about a few of the free Google services that I use every day and that I think might be worthwhile for you to try.

The first is Gmail. This is a free web-based email service. Some people use an email program like this because it allows them to access their email from any Internet-connected computer. Others use it when they need an email address for forms on the Internet, keeping their main email address more protected from spam. I use mine to keep some mail separate from my main email account. There are other free web-based email services like AOL, Yahoo! Mail and Hotmail, but Google has made Gmail one of the best. It is easy to use and has lots of additional features like the ability to call others and do a video chat with them right from the email window.

I also use the Google Toolbar. This free product lets you highlight the words of your choice on a webpage. It can also translate web pages to and from English. It has a pop-up blocker, a spell-checker, and a form-filler to name just a few of its many features.

The Google Calendar is a godsend for me. Since the calendar is online, I can access it from any Internet-connected computer. My husband and our technicians also have Google Calendars. So with the click of the mouse, I can see only my calendar or I can view all or any of their calendars. Each calendar is color-coded, so it's easy to see who has what scheduled. Like all good calendars, the Google Calendar supports different views like daily, weekly, and monthly. It has supports reoccurring events. I have even set it up to synchronize with my Outlook calendar and my iPhone. So no matter where I enter the events, they all show up everywhere. It's a really great tool. With it, unfortunately, I have no excuse for missing an appointment.

The Google homepage, called iGoogle, is another cool tool. You can customize it to show your Gmail inbox, your calendar, the weather, news, and/or just about anything you choose.

Another Google product that I use every day is the Google Bookmarks. I often switch between web browsers using Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, and Opera at various times. This created a nightmare with my bookmarks until I discovered Google Bookmarks. Now, when I use Google Bookmarks to save my bookmarks they are saved online.  Then no matter which browser I use or which computer I happen to be sitting at, I always have the same bookmarks available. I can always access my Bookmarks through the Google toolbar or at www.google. com/bookmarks. As long as I am logged into my Google account, my bookmarks are always there.

For some of these services, like Google Bookmarks, the Google Calendar, and the iGoogle home page, you need to have a Google Account. However, this is free and it allows you to log in once to access all of the Google services that your use.

I also use Google Maps for directions to clients. Once you are logged into your Google account, it will remember your home location. It also remembers places that you have already mapped. Another valuable tool is the ability to email the directions to myself. I can then access the directions on my iPhone when I am on the road. I have also used this to send directions to others. When you get directions at Google Maps, you will see a camera next to each turn. Click on the camera and you will see a picture of the actual intersection where you will make the turn. Yes, the Google photo truck has even been to Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and the surrounding area. If you are interested in seeing the picture of your home or office just search for the address on Google Maps. Then use "Street View" to view it. (Remember to use your mouse to turn to the left or the right to zero in on what you want to see.)

As I said earlier, the free Google tools and services that I use are too numerous to list here. I use Google Docs to collaborate with others on word processing documents. I also use Goog411 to find business telephone numbers and to connect for free. Google Earth is fantastic for viewing just about any part of the earth. You Tube, which is owned by Google, is filled with video of everything imaginable, and Picasa is a wonderful free photo-editor which also offers a place to view and store your photos online.

You can find any of these Google services by searching for them in the Google Search engine. There is also a list at www.google.com/intl/en/options/ . Take a look, you may be surprised at all the free services that Google has.