One of the best deals in free software today comes from Google. It is an entire package of downloadable free software called Google Pack. The Google Pack also includes Google Talk, Picasa, Google Toolbar, Google Desktop, Google Photos Screensavers, and several programs from other manufacturers.

There are many nice things about the Google Pack software. The programs are free, they are full-featured, and they don't contain any spyware. Also, you do not have to install everything. You can easily pick only the programs you want.

Perhaps the most exciting offering in Google's arsenal of free programs is called Google Earth. This is a piece of software that gives you a view of the earth from an aerial perspective. Once you have downloaded the program, you can simply enter an address or a known location and see a birds-eye view of that area. It's an interesting way to see your neighborhood as well as the Eiffel Tower and other scenic venues. The program is very well done. You actually feel like you're are flying from one place to another. This feature alone is worth looking at, but Google Earth can do quite a bit more.  A recently added feature allows you to see a street view where, in some areas, you can even see people on the sidewalk.

Another extremely interesting feature in Google Earth is the newly added section called Google Sky.  This feature gives you a view of some marvelous wonders in the sky, including stars, nebulae, comets, galaxies and other spectacular images from deep space.

Google Earth is a free program that is definitely worth a look. After you see your house and browse around your neighborhood, be sure to use it for a little outer space exploration. Click on Help and choose Tutorials to get help using the program as well as an overview of all the things that Google Earth can do.

While Google Earth is fun to look at and useful for directions, there are several other programs in the Pack that are even more valuable for everyday use. For instance; the Google Toolbar, which is available for both Internet Explorer and Firefox, makes searching easier. It has direct links to other Google online services like Google News, Google Maps, and Google Images.  It will auto fill forms for you. It will spell check the information you type into Web forms. It will highlight words that you search for on the page you visit. It will even translate words for you. If you use the Web a lot, this toolbar will prove to be a valuable time-saver.

If you are a digital photographer, there is another don't-miss program for you in the Google Pack. Called Picasa, it is a photo editing and organizing program that will help you adjust and organize your photos. It is easy to use. Best of all, Picasa includes a feature called Web Album that lets you upload photos to the Web with just a few clicks. My children use it to upload pictures of my grandchildren for me to see and I can easily upload my photos to share with them. Even the Web space for the pictures is free and it is a great way to share your photos with others.

Another useful program in the Google Pack is called Google Talk. It is used for instant messaging and for talking to friends over the Internet. Since there is no cost involved, this can be a real money-saver. I use Google Talk to communicate with my daughter and her family in Sweden. After each party adds an inexpensive microphone to their computer, it's just like talking on the telephone - except without the long distance telephone bills.

Skype, another program for Internet calling is also available in the Google Pack. Skype has many features that are lacking in Google Talk, including video calling. So if you and your friends add Web cams to your computers, you can see each other as you talk. I also use Skype and love it, but Google Talk is easier to set up and to use. If you are not too computer literate or you want a simple program without all the frills and complications, Google Talk will fill the bill.

All-in-all, many of the Google Pack programs are a worthwhile addition to any PC.