iGoogle is an easy way to create a
personalized homepage that is safe, fast to load and compatible with all
current browsers. You have the ability to add features called Google Gadgets
that display information that will save you time, make you smile and keep you
informed.
With iGoogle you can select unique themes for your
browser’s homepage. Some of the themes are animated depending on weather
conditions and time. (try out the bus theme and wait for a rainy day)
You’ll need register for a free account then sign
in to access your personalized settings. There are no ads displayed on iGoogle
(yah!)
Some useful gadgets are: Driving Directions,
Weather, Calculator, Multi TimeZone Clock. Configure the weather gadget to show
your hometown and your favorite vacation destination for the week before you
leave.
Adding gadgets is as easy as clicking on Add on your iGoogle page, scrolling through the gadgets, or using the
search feature. When you decide on a gadget, click on Add Now. The new
gadget is now displayed on your home page. To configure the gadget to display
the weather in Cancun, click on the little down arrow on the top right of the
gadget and pick the country and city and Save .. Voila!, it’s that
easy.
Some other gadgets are: a To Do List, quick access
to Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail, GMail, Cheap Local Gas Prices, and Sports
Scores.
My favorite customization for iGoogle is Artist`s Themes .. every day the banner on the top of the page features another artist. You can pick a favorite, or change every day (my choice)
If you use Google Finance to track your stock
portfolio, you can quickly check your net worth with a gadget on your iGoogle
page.
What are you waiting for? It takes about a half an
hour to set up your first iGoogle page. You can always add or change gadgets any
time. (I know they say 30 seconds, but you’ll want to check out all the gadgets
before you make a decision .. it’s going to take a half an hour, trust me)