Google Toolbar 3.0 beta

Google Toolbar 3.0 beta gives you a Web-form spell-checker, a word translator, and an AutoLink feature useful for ISBN numbers, VIN numbers, street addresses, and package tracking numbers.

Google Toolbar's layout is simple and straightforward. The all-important search box is still located prominently on the left-hand side.

The AutoLink button changes to read Look for Map whenever it finds street addresses on a page. When a street address is underlined, click on it, and Google Toolbar will direct you to a map showing its location.

The pop-up blocker works as well as ever. It tells you how many pop-up windows it blocked each session, and you can turn it on and off with a single click.

The Toolbar Options page lets you configure every aspect of Google Toolbar's operation. Each feature gets its own Settings page.

Click on the Search tab in order to configure the way the Google Search box works and displays its results.

On the Toolbar Options page under the More tab, you can add icons to access Google News quickly, highlight search terms on a Web page, and configure the way the buttons look on the toolbar.

SpellCheck is one of Google Toolbar's best features. Many Web-based e-mail programs have their own spell-checkers by now, but SpellCheck comes in especially handy when entering forum posts or filling out technical-support forms. You can also use it in place of your Web-based e-mail's spell-checker, and you can maintain your own personal dictionary.

Here's how Internet Explorer looks with Google Toolbar installed. It adds a negligible amount of clutter and gives you access to several important features while you browse the Web.

Click on the News icon (it looks like a newspaper located immediately to the left of the PageRank button) and catch up on the latest news as filtered by Google.