How to Use Google Gears

The Google Gears plug-in is used to extend your browser for web applications and make it easy to work offline. If you use Google Docs and work offline or use Google Reader, then you have probably already got Gears installed. However, Gears isn't simply Google-compatible, it's used on other sites as well and, as developers take notice, the number of sites is growing. Once you have it installed, Google Gears is very easy to use. Read on to learn how to use Google Gears.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Firefox 1.5 or higher
• XP, Vista, Linux or Mac OS X v 10.4

1. Check your system requirements to make sure your computer or mobile device supports Google Gears. If you're running Firefox, make sure you have version 1.5 or higher. Windows users need to be running XP or Vista, Mac users need to have OS X version 10.4+ and Windows Mobile devices need to be running at least version 5 and have Internet Explorer 4.01.
2. Install Gears or confirm that it's already installed. Gears will be listed in your control panel, with your add-ons or as a program on your mobile device, if it's already installed. If not, login to the Internet, go to the Google Gears homepage and download the correct version (see Resources below). Once the installation is complete, you'll need to restart your browser to activate Gears.
3. Allow use of Google Gears on compatible sites by checking the "I Allow" box when you see a confirmation message asking you if it's alright to let Google Gears access the site. All this means is that the information will be stored and available for use offline. When you return to the site, Google Gears will sync the information and update any work you've done so it's available online.
4. Keep track of sites that are using Google Gears or remove them from the "Allowed" list by changing your settings. Navigate to Tools > Google Gears Settings to see Allowed and Denied sites.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that if you are using Google Gears on more than one computer or browser, each one will need to be synced to make any changes accessible. You can't access changes made on one computer via another unless the information has been synced online.
• If you're unable to install Google Gears, you may need to sidestep your computer's firewall or anti-virus protection.