Just installed the latest Google desktop, and its brilliant. The scratchpad may actually replace index cards & notepads for jotting things down while working, as it sits off to the side without getting in the way of what I’m doing. The best feature however (for me), is that I finally have a fast and effective search capability for Lotus Notes. There is a small trick however, as the normal version doesn’t include the plugin.

First, install the Enterprise version (also free, but you have to register), including the Notes plugin. Then (without uninstalling it), install the normal version over the top. The plugin stays, and you get all the goodies of the latest version. Recommended for anyone who’s ever tried to search their email in Lotus Notes.

Small caveat: it only searches local files, so you have to be using replication.