Google is pushing Firefox with the Google toolbar
I first became aware of Google’s promotion of the Firefox web browser through a recent post on Dave Shea’s web site, although I see from the comments there that this has been the buzz in certain circles for a little while. Loads of Google-related extensions have been available for Firefox from day one and the built-in search box lets you choose between a handful of search engines (with Google as the default) so I’ve never really thought about it. Google has created a win-win situation by actively promoting Firefox and its Google toolbar by creating a referral program and paying referrers per download. Google sees increased usage of their toolbar by tying it in with a new, hip product used by people in the know and Firefox gets promotion of its product subsidized by Google. How can you beat that?
I have to be honest, I don’t have the Google toolbar but a little research revealed that it has some nifty features including SpellCheck, a built-in translator, PageRank display (I have the stand alone extension of this useful feature), and a pop-up blocker for those unlucky enough to still be using Internet Explorer. Whether you download and/or use the Google toolbar, you ultimately owe it to yourself to get Firefox. One of the first browsers to offer pop-up blocking, increased security, and most importantly (to me anyway) tabbed browsing. Click on the image above and Get Firefox already.
