Google Desktop as a crude forensics tool

Raise your hand if you've become de-facto tech support for your family.

I certainly have.

One of the questions I am periodically asked is: how can I get to files that have been deleted/check web browsing history/check deleted emails?

And I have the answer: Google Desktop Search (GDS)!

Read on for how it works.

You see, GDS actually keeps copies of basically everything that you do.

Your emails
Your web browsing history
Your files

And it can even present these in a timeline view.

Pretty amazing, although it might create some surprises if you, say, "thought you deleted that email".