Yesterday I googled my own name out of curiosity to see if there were any changes in the past two years (the first and last time I googled my name).
Actually it only showed a list of about 5 generic/public things most of which related to deaths in the family.
However, I was surprised by the first item on the list - it was "On your computer" and listed all the places in my Word files which included my full name in the document - like a few memos and faxes I had sent out - and saved in Word.
I realize that this information only came up because it is my computer - and no one else would get this info if they googled my name.
My question and concern is - how does google fine this information? I'm confused. Maybe this is a stupid question, but since google is an online information source, how do they find information from my computer - and in my personal files? Wouldn't that leave open my files to others - like the "staff" at google? Or is it all automatic process and no one sees it - other than the "machine?"
What am I missing here?
Thanks for clarification.
Liz