Love Google? Personalize it with iGoogle
Most people use Google as their primary Internet search engine. While other search options exist, few measure up to the unbelievable power of Google. Despite Google’s amazing search power, it’s a bit boring — Google’s user interface needs a face lift.
“Web Portals” are so “Web 1.0”
Just when you thought web portals had become passe, Google puts a slightly new spin on them with iGoogle.
iGoogle is NOT the latest Apple creation (although I do smell a pending lawsuit on its way), but rather an amazing customizable personal web page. The iGoogle interface offers a truck load of “gadgets” such as news feeds, calendars, and “quotes of the day” to name a few. You can drag and drop these gadgets any place you desire. And, if you don’t like everything on the same page, you can create additional “tabs” and group similar items in the same tabbed section. And don’t worry about losing your favorite search interface, the familiar Google search box sits prominently on the top of your custom web page.
How do I get started?
iGoogle has been around for awhile but most likely overlooked by the average computer user. If you have a Google Gmail account or adsense account you already have everything you need to get started. If not, head to Google and sign up for a free Google account. Once you have your account, you should see an iGoogle option in the upper right corner of the Google home page. Click on that link and your page instantly changes to the customizable iGoogle page. A few standard gadgets populate your first page but you can easily remove them if you so choose. The fun really starts, however, when you click on the “add stuff” link on the right side of your iGoogle page. From that point everything becomes very intuitive.
Classic always near by
In the end, if you find you don’t like iGoogle, just look in the upper right portion of your screen for the “Classic home” link. Follow that link and everything is back to the old boring white screen, colorful logo, and simple search box.
Technorati Tags: Google, Web Portals, Web 1.0, iGoogle
on October 22nd, 2007 at 12:30 pm
I use iGoogle as my homepage at both work and home. I’ve always like Google as a search engine and now the personalized web page make it a one stop shop. Instead of using my Outlook account at work for personal email during office hours, I use Gmail instead. In fact, Gmail has worked so well for me thus far that it’s becoming a major communication medium.
on October 22nd, 2007 at 8:13 pm
I agree and it even can give you a feel for the sunny day as you sit in your cubicle: Google Personalized Home Page.
on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:13 pm
One downside to iGoogle is the increased load time for Google. It’s not too bad but when you’re used to the simple Google interface, it can take some adjustment.