Toolbar release keeps controversial feature

This week Google released their Google Toolbar 3 from beta. Included in the release is an updated version of the controversial Auto Link feature. In response to some but not all of the complaints levied against the feature, the updates include a different look for the inserted links and an option to select from several different online retailers as opposed to the pre-selected ones of the initial release. Preferences can be set with a right click on the inserted link and remain set until changed.

The Google toolbar can be downloaded on toolbar.google.com but it remains an IE application. Users of Firefox are redirected to a page encouraging them instead to use a third-party open-source “Googlebar” which is a fairly faithful replication though there are some elements missing. Most of those can be easily added with separate extensions.

Susan Esparza is former managing editor at Bruce Clay Inc., and has written extensively for clients and internal publications. Along with Bruce Clay, she is co-author of the first edition of Search Engine Optimization All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies.

See Susan's author page for links to connect on social media.