Google Toolbar Version 2 for Firefox

If you’re a techie, you’re most likely using Mozilla Firefox rather than your operating system’s default browser (Internet Explorer for Windows and Safari for Mac). And if you’re reading Google Tutor, you’re most likely a techie. Well, good for you then. And in any case you’re one of those who prefer to install browser helper objects (a.k.a. toolbars), then you might be interested in Google’s newest release of Google Toolbar.

This release essentially adds five new features to the already rich offering of the first version for Firefox: Enhanced Search Box, Safe Browsing, Feed Subscriptions, Send with Gmail, and Custom Layouts.

Enhanced Search Box

Similar to how the Google Desktop Search query box works, the Enhanced Search Box will come up with suggested results as you type in your query. The new search box will try to complete your word first, and then present different alternate words or word combinations, along with the number of results for that alternative.

Google Safe Browsing

This is a great feature for protecting yourself against social engineering attacks, or otherwise known as phishing schemes and scams. Previously a Google Toolbar extension, the good people over at the Googleplex thought about everyone’s safety from these attacks. This feature will warn you when a site is trying to fool you into entering or submitting personal information.

Subscribe to Feed

This is somewhat an extension of Firefox’s own RSS feed subscription mechanism, but takes it a step further. While with Firefox, you only add the site feed as a live bookmark, with Google Toolbar, you are presented with a choice among the popular web-based RSS readers, including Google’s own Reader and Bloglines, among others. Bloggers and blog readers will greatly appreciate this feature.

Send with Gmail

It can get to be drag when your computer always opens Microsoft Outlook when you click on email hyperlinks. This feature lets you select Gmail as your default email app, so whenever you click a linked email address, you get a Gmail window and not Outlook.

Custom Layouts

You can now change the look of Google Toolbar. In case you want to save on screen real estate, you can integrate the features with the Firefox search bar, or replace it altogether.

Of course, there are the standard features we know from the previous versions:

• AutoLink
• AutoFill
• Word Translator
• Spell Check
• PageRank Display
• Highlight Search Items
• Word Find Buttons

If you’re currently using Google Toolbar for Firefox already, your system is likely able to auto-update itself to the newest version, so you won’t have to download and install.