The new deskbar

Search using Google, even when your browser isn't running
Preview search results in a small inset window that closes automatically
Access Google from any application by typing Ctrl+Alt+G
Use keyboard shortcuts for multiple Google searches, i.e., Google News (Ctrl+N),Google Images (Ctrl+I), or Froogle (Ctrl+F)

http://toolbar.google.com/deskbar/

is http://www.desktopsidebar.com/index.html

It's freeware and works flawlessly. Hmmm, blank RSS feed...