Customize Google for IE for Windows

At times, the enhancements to your Google-related activities offered by this free app are so subtle that casual users might wonder if it's doing anything. Power Google users, though, will appreciate the extras Customize Google for IE adds.

Make sure you keep the installation option to create a Start Menu folder for the program so you can easily access the program's Preferences. This is where you'll configure settings for customization options and it's the only dedicated interface the program has. Everything else Customize Google for IE has to offer is found directly on the various Google products and services it enhances. The options range from adding direct links on the Google search result's page to other search engines and directories to redirecting your Gmail account from "http" to "https" to increase security. There are seven different areas in all, and each has only one or two options, but the total package gives you more control over your searches and privacy. One of our favorites was the ability to prevent Google from collecting profile information about you and transmitting data to Google Analytics.

There's no charge for this open-source application. If you're a big Google user and want to tweak anything from your Google Calendar and Groups to Web and Image searches, this is a must-have IE extension.