There has been a lot of press about the Google Deskbar in the past couple of weeks, and rightfully so, it's a great tool, and I use mine every day. However, it's certainly not the first tool. There are other "desktop" web search tools, which, I might add, search more than JUST Google.

Copernic Agent Professional: Copernic Agent Professional simultaneously consults the best Internet search engines for you. Since each search engine covers only a part of the Web, by combining results from multiple sources Copernic will help you get the most out of the Web.

WebWolf: WebWolf is a desktop based Web Page Crawler. It explores the internet, searching for files, FTP Sites and links that match your search criteria.

EasySeeker: EasySeeker is designed for Internet users who desire to run highly comprehensive searches, but do not want to deal with the frustrations of complex utilities.

To Google's credit, they have done a great job of not really publicizing the tool, and letting us bloggers and journalists pick up on it, building significant buzz along the way.

Moreover, Google has done something great, whether by design or by default, and that is to allow the toolbar and deskbar to be installed without conflicting with much of the Win 2000 security that's inflicted on the desktops of many of their corporate users. This allows people like me to actually use these great tools at work, even with a fully locked-down system.

More Press...
USA Today: Deskbar seeks in small space
Poynter Online: Google Deskbar - A better way to Google.