How to Update a Graphics Card for Google Earth

By Greyson Ferguson

i computer image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com

Google Earth is a free product (unless you upgrade to Google Earth Pro) that allows you to zoom into any area of the world and see a satellite image of a street address, houses and any other object that is constructed on the ground you are viewing. It can be rather entertaining to zoom into your home or look up your favorite sport teams stadium. However, before you can begin using the Google Earth features you need to make sure your computer is up-to-date.

Step 1

Navigate to the Google Earth website "Earth.Google.com" and click the "Download Google Earth" tab in the program window. Although the software does use 3D technology to run the software you do not need a graphics card to view the information (it is rendered over the Internet and not by your graphics card).

Step 2

Double-click the downloaded file to launch the Google Earth installation wizard.

Step 3

Read through and accept the license and use agreement. Leave the installation name and location as the default settings, then click "Install" to install Google Earth.

Step 4

Click "Start," "All Programs" and launch Google Earth. A window may appear stating you need to update your Java subscription. Click this link to navigate to the Java update page. Download the free application, then follow the installation wizard prompts to install the software.

Step 5

Relaunch Google Earth to open the program. It now runs correctly off of your computer. If the software seems sluggish, close out other open programs to improve the speed of Google Earth.

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