Is Google Desktop safe?

I'm thinking about installing it, but I don't want to risk my personal files by allowing them to be seen over the internet.

From what I've heard, Google had some utility that was responsible for documents on personal computers being leaked online (Google Toolbar maybe). That same program was also responsible for a leak at Dell that contained information about the then-unannounced E1705, E1505, and E1405 SKU numbers that revealed pricing and specs (which I heard about through news channels some time ago). So you can understand my concern a little bit...

I definitely remember that article though...the spreadsheet of SKUs was about 70 pages long...sheesh.

But anyway, is it safe?

 

I have actually been wondering that myself. My gut instinct says no, but I could be wrong on this one.

 

Lol, it was somebody in this forum that exposed the Dell documents that Google revealed, it was a 32MB Excel sheet with all of Dells existing and upcoming products (oops).

We made the news about it on CNET that day: http://news.com.com/Slip-up+spills+beans+on+Dell+notebooks/2100-1044_3-6033903.html

We downloaded it and posted the info in the forums here and Dell kinda asked us to take it down.

Google can track what sites you visit with the Toolbar, which may be how its search engine found the Dell FTP Server (it was open and publically accessible, which is moronic on Dell's part) but it won't record anything about what's on your desktop or files you have. Either way, there's nobody at Google HQ spying on you personally, they just aggregate anonymous information about sites visited.

 

I personally wouldn't download it unless you really need it. I am sure they don't have someone on the other end reading all your stuff. I just don't like the thought of my info sitting out there.
Tim

 

Wow...NBR is famous! And I feel like I am too, by extension! Wooooppppeeeee!

Oh yeah, and I trust Google more than most software corporations. Dunno why, maybe cause I had a good MicroP prof with a name that sounded just like it.

 

I'm sure Google isn't listening in at least... I'm definitely paranoid with these things!

But if the program doesn't touch personal files? Wait though: it has to index the files for you to search your own computer? What about those? Does the program just not send that info out?

I knew I head about it somewhere... I don't even think I was a member at the time that leak came out...

 

I would not install Google Desktop, personally. Google's user agreements are kind of scary. One thing I know about it is if you have a mic attached to your computer, Google desktop will 'listen' in on it as a means of learning more about you for increased ad targetting.

 

i prefer windows desktop search from microsoft... the version 3.0 is quite stable and i don't think leak anything out

 

I'll check up on this, but I've been using Google and its tools for as long as I can remember. I use Google Checkout and it's great. Anyway, maybe a search on Google will reveal if it's safe haha.