A great tool to have on your browser is the Google Toolbar. (toolbar.google.com)
This toolbar will allow you to search the Google search engine at anytime as well as give you some great bonus features:
– PageRank – Gives an indication of the PageRank™ for the page you’re currently viewing. PageRank is the importance Google assigns to a page based on an automatic calculation that factors in the link structure of the web and many other variables. In order to automatically update this display for each page you visit, the Toolbar sends information about the page you’re viewing to the Google servers. Google does not collect information that directly identifies you (e.g., your name, email address) and will not sell or provide personally identifiable information to any third parties.
– Pop Up Blocker – Prevents most pop-up ads from being displayed by your browser. The button icon changes to reflect whether the pop-up blocker is active or if a pop-up has been prevented from launching. The total number of stopped pop-ups is also displayed. To activate the pop-up blocker, access the Toolbar Options window from the Toolbar’s Google pull-down menu and click the box next to pop-up blocker in the Accessories section of the Options tab. To allow pop-ups to launch on a one time basis without turning off the pop-up blocker, press the Ctrl key as you click the link to move to a new page. To turn off the pop-up blocker without removing it from the Toolbar, simply click on the icon in the Toolbar itself.
Here is a list of all of the features – it is a great tool and worth having.