Google Toolbar is a downloadable toolbar that allows users to do, among other things, a Google search without visiting the Google site. You can also save terms you've searched for in the past and set up quick links to sites you visit often.

Google Toolbar is available for Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox and has several features.

1. Use the Button Gallery to maintain control and add only the buttons you want to the Google Toolbar. You can even create your own buttons.

2. Share any interesting Web pages with your friends via text message (SMS), blog or email with the "Send To" menu.

3. Bookmark the pages you visit often and access the Bookmarks menu from any computer that has the Google Toolbar. This feature requires a Google account.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start using Google Toolbar for free

You can download Google Toolbar for free without a Google account and start finding those missing documents, images, emails or chat sessions within minutes.

I recommend: Download and install Google Toolbar if you have Windows Vista, 2000 or XP, and Internet Explorer 6.0+. There is a Firefox version available, too. For help with Google Toolbar, check out the Toolbar Help Center.

Find the Google Toolbar training you need to be more organized and productive

Google strives to make its interfaces as user-friendly as possible, and Google Toolbar is no exception. Installation is straightforward, but you may need help defining the icons. You may want or need more in-depth instruction in order to feel you are fully utilizing Google Toolbar, so take advantage of tutorials and other training.

I recommend: Start off with the Getting Started Guide for Google Toolbar. The page doesn't look like much, but mouse over the toolbar icons for a brief description. Click on an icon and have information pop up. Some icons even include videos on how to enable the particular feature. Join Winstructor and take advantage of their many available training videos including one which shows you how to install and use Google Toolbar.

Seek out more Google Toolbar information and helpful resources

Hire a Google Toolbar consultant for Google Toolbar advice if you need direction with how best to take advantage of the features available for your business needs. You'll pay for their services, but it may be worth it to your company to know you are getting the most advantage from the resource.

I recommend: Online Computer Tips offers visuals and instructive text on Google Toolbar features, as well as links to downloadable options. Webshare is a certified Google partner providing a full line of consulting services that will ensure your business is getting the most out of Google's tools.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Updates to Google Toolbar are installed automatically, so you'll always have the latest and greatest version without needing to check.