Unlike certain other software vendors, Google is not being shoved down any throats. It's a web page that I can a) visit, or b) not visit; my choice! Google has software that I can a) download, or b) not download; my choice, again. Google has realised that the majority prefer a clean, uncluttered working environment, and that is what has propelled them forward. The "add-ons" are the result of good market research and good design. I don't use all the Google toys, because I don't need them. And, I'm not burdened by them, unless I want them. I wish other software companies would learn from Googles example. D. H. Lewis, Gorham, Maine

The bigger the corporations get the better service the consumers get; I admire Google for the service it gives to the users. It is user-friendly and free. I will complain when I have to pay for something that is not worth the price. If there is a competition, may the better corporation win. Firozali A. Mulla, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Having used G-mail for many months, I was delighted when Google launched GoogleTalk. I installed it immediately and use it every day. Not as many features as Yahoo or MSN messenger, but who needs smileys, nudges and emoticons anyway? Anything that enables users to escape dependence on Microsoft/Hotmail/MSN messenger gets by backing. As for Desktop 2, another great tool that makes life easier by being quicker (after the initial indexing time). Martin Cartwright, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Anything that helps keep down the cost of telephone bills is a good idea as far as I am concerned. Katrina Billings, Mojacar, Spain

Google Talk seems to have come too late for Google with the increasingly popular Skype already available with many more useful features. However, Google's dominance is great for web-users since it forces others to keep up (ie, MSN search). Without Google many web service providers would get lazy. Hopefully, Google will give Microsoft a much needed wake-up call to give people what they want, not just what they think they can get away with. Name and address withheld

Google keeps launching products that do what you want them to do, that are easy to use, and that are free. All qualities that Microsoft products often lack! More power to Google, let them dominate. Carina O'Reilly, Cambridge

Companies always seems to be accused of monopolisation whenever they do well, but the reason they do well is due to superior service or products. However, monopies can very easly vanish. What was once said of Sainsbury’s is now said of Tesco's, and what was once said of Microsoft is now said of Google. Alastair Harper, London

The new Google Sidebar is brilliant and I downloaded it immediately. Its desktop search also seems to work very effectively, including a search of items on my PC within the normal Google Search. There is plenty of room for competition already, it's just that Google seems smarter in this area than MSN or Yahoo!. Name and address withheld


Please complete the form below and your contribution will be considered for publication. It may be necessary to edit your comments. Please include your name, town/county/state of residence and e-mail.