Wes Felter has an odd comment about Google’s latest:

Google Desktop Search somehow intercepts regular Google searches so it can splice in local search results. I’ve heard of spyware that splices ads into result pages from major search engines; it may use the same technique. I wonder why Windows or Web browsers would allow this. I doubt that Google Desktop is spyware, but it risks guilt by association if it uses the techniques of spyware.

What a bizarre accusation. The “techniques of spyware”? Spyware is a pretty ill-defined term to begin with, but I think we can all agree that the defining characteristic is deception. Developers of spyware programs often try to hide the fact that their program is installing itself. They fail to disclose what the software actually does. They make the software difficult or impossible to remove.

By contrast, Google fully discloses what its Desktop Search program does. The program has a sensible and thorough privacy policy. I had no problem whatsoever disabling it and uninstalling it.

Anyone who refers to this as spyware has truly lost perspective.

OK, I tried Google Desktop Search. I like its simplicity, and the way it brings up e-mail and files in the familiar Google window.

Then I installed Copernic Desktop Search. Whoa. This is good! After 30 minutes working with it I’m really impressed with its power, and I think Google has its work cut out for it, at least for information junkies like me.

Next up is X1.com. Jason Calacanis says “X1 has really changed my life…”

OK, that’s worth a try… I’ll keep you posted.

Charles writes: “After downloading and installing SP2 the first upated listed in the Windows Update was a critical update – .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1. In a SP2 chat converstaion today I was told it was OK to install on top of the SP2 Update. Is this also your understanding or what is your opinion?”

Absolutely, it’s OK to install. The Web page for the .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1 provides this information:

The primary focus of Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is improved security. In addition, the service pack includes roll-ups of all reported customer issues found after the release of the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1. Of particular note, SP1 provides better support for consuming WSDL documents, Data Execution prevention and protection from security issues such as buffer overruns.

SP1 also provides support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 to provide a safer, more reliable experience for customers using Windows XP.

An increasing number of programs require the .NET Framework. If you’ve installed one of those programs, this is a must-have update.

Got an old copy of Norton AntiVirus? Looking for an upgrade to
Norton AntiVirus 2003 Professional? How does $4.99 sound? True, you’ll have to shell out $65 to order this package, but you can then get a $30 rebate from Symantec for upgrading, plus another $30 upgrade from Amazon.com. (If you don’t currently own a qualifying copy of NAV, you’ll end up paying $35.) Shipping is free.

The Professional version includes licenses that allow you to install NAV on two computers, with free virus signature updates for a year.

I think this is a fabulous deal.

If you’re keeping an eye on the market for spam-fighting software, you’re probably as distressed as I am to find that Network Associates has acquired Deersoft, makers of SpamAssassin Pro . This is a follow-up to their purchase last year of SpamKiller. Unfortunately, Network Associates has a less-than-stellar track record with products like McAfee AntiVirus, and people I know who used to love SpamKiller say it was never the same after it was swallowed up by the Network Associates marketing machine.

If you’ve found a spam-fighting solution that really works, drop me a line, will you?