Alternative to Google Desktop

(usatoday) -- The Copernic software is easy to install. But it's not quite as simple to use as Google Desktop. The interface, which seems designed for people who are moderately tech savvy, takes a minute or two to figure out. Copernic also seems to miss a file every now and then when it's searching through your computer.

But once get the hang of it, Copernic is generally fast and reliable. Perhaps more importantly, it's not owned by Google. Since the Silicon Valley search giant is moving into everything from calendars to health records, some people are getting really nervous about how much information Google is collecting on them.

Several other desktop search programs compete with Copernic and Google, although not all of them are free. You can view a list here.