Computer users will now be able to search their computers much like they search the internet, thanks to Google’s new desktop tool.

The search engine behemoth has introduced Google Desktop Search Version 1.0, which will go up against similar programs launched or being launched by such companies as Yahoo and Microsoft.

The tool will allow users to search their entire computers, including information found in PDF files, instant messages, and multimedia files.

It will also allow users to search through emails.

But unlike Google’s search engine which indexes pages after about two days, this search tool will index pages on computers after 30 seconds of idle time.

And somehow, if one accidentally deletes a file, they will be able to recover the text using Google’s magical new tool.

The program is available for Windows XP and Windows 2000 users. 500MB of disk space, 128MB of RAM, and a400MHz Pentium processor is recommended.

The program can search through web pages that have already been visited, and through chat logs from AOL instant messenger. A plug-in will allow users to search through other communication devices like MSN IM as well.

This search tool has been in beta testing mode for some time, but was officially launched Monday.

Google has also been beta testing its Gmail system, which should be ready to launch in the coming months. The online email system allows users to store up to 1 GB, prompting other free services like Hotmail and Yahoo to adjust their limits in order to compete.






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