Users have plenty of informational and control options for Google Compute. A system tray icon (a double helix) indicates that Google Compute is running, and when bright, same icon indicates that processing work is being performed. There are two modes available to help prevent interference with other programs that you use.

Google Compute requires Windows, IE5 or higher, 64 megabytes of RAM minimum, and English version of Google toolbar. A high speed internet connection isn't required, but you should routinely connect to Internet every few days, and be prepared for a delay while processed data is uploaded. Data is transferred using outbound HTTP, so it will work through most semi-transparent firewalls. About 20 megabytes per month of data is transferred to Folding@home project.

Available catalogs cover a full range of goods from business to consumer, from household names like Harriet Carter to obscure supply catalogs for specialty manufacturers. For easy online shopping, even order forms, toll-free numbers, and vendor web sites are easily accessible. While beta testing, many of catalogs are from one to three years old, but that's to be expected. When fully released, this service will almost surely feature not only current catalogs, but a lot more of them, as merchants become aware of service.

Google recommends using a broadband internet connection to search their Google Catalog service. This is because all search results include images of catalog pages themselves, and download speed over dialup will be too slow for most users. Google states that they aren't associated with catalog merchants in any way, and receive no compensation when you buy something from an included catalog.