Google Desktop is now at the version 2.0 and is full of new features. The application evolved into a full desktop software with plug-ins.

The application with new sidebar panels, more plug-in development options, and better support for enterprise installations, combines search with the Google Sidebar which can display news, weather and others.

The Maps panel, which is new, loads up maps based on the content of the Web site you are visiting. “It can show you interesting places around the world, or you can directly navigate to your favorite spots,” according to Google.

This new version 2.0 supports scripting languages such as JavaScript and VBScript, all packaged by an automatic plug-in installer and is available not only for home users. A free edition for business has also been released and has high security and administration attributes.

Google’s software engineer Mihai Ionescu said “We’ve tested the Enterprise version in a number of medium and large businesses to verify the administration, integration and security features that are important within business environments,”

Feedback from users is expected and received here. The application can be downloaded from here.