Google has just released what may be the most useful software program since the spellchecker! Google Desktop allows you to search your own files using the Google search engine.

You can search files in all sorts of formats including AOL Instant Messenger, Excel, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Outlook Express, PowerPoint, Text and Word. Finally, a useful method of searching Word files. This just made my job significantly easier as I frequently have to search through literally hundreds of thousands of Word files using only the limited and very slow Word or Windows Explorer search functions. Often, I wind up having to reinvent the wheel because I can't find the right document. In Google's own words:

After downloading Google Desktop Search, you can search your personal items as easily as you search the Internet using Google. Unlike traditional computer search software that updates once a day, Google Desktop Search updates continually for most file types, so that when you receive a new email in Outlook, for example, you can search for it within seconds. The index of searchable information created by Desktop Search is stored on your own computer.