In this instance, the Firefox that users download through Google's ad-link will not be the clean, core browser, sans-plug-ins that has been a key allure for net surfers since Firefox's inception.  Rather, the Firefox download linked to by Google comes pre-loaded with the 'Google Toolbar' and the 'Google Pack' plug-in.  Now to say nothing of the 'Google Pack', the 'Google Toolbar' is a very popular download which is of course beneficial for Google users.  Now for, I don't know, let's say Yahoo! users, is this a great addition?  Not exactly, since they'd likely want the Yahoo! Toolbar.  The 'Google Pack' is a brilliant Trojan Horse move by Google.  Take two of your top apps, in this case 'Google Earth' and 'Picasa' (both of which are phenomenal!) and wrap in your slightly more sinister elements.  First up the firewall breaching, port sniffing, security exploiting 'Google Desktop' which is a great piece of programming but could potentially draw comparisons to Sony's recent backdoor root-kit debacle or praise for efficiency akin to WinZip.  As a nice runner-up and quick snub to both Yahoo! and MSN search, is the 'Google Toolbar' for none-other than Internet Explorer.  As an added kicker, they've thrown in the well designed and interestingly implemented 'Google Screensaver' so you'll be sure not to forget your new favorite computer accessory: Google!

So at the end of the day, is this move by Google altruistic?  Certainly not.  It's a strategic move and in my opinion, a certifiable stroke of genius worthy of Napoleonic references.  Not only does it give Google more "tech" credit by teaming up with "techie" favorite firefox, but it also assuages some of the doubt concerning Google's potential "Evil-Empire" tendencies by turning would be stalwart nay-sayers, instead, into fervent groupies.  Additionally, it increases the "sticky-ness" of the Google brand by ratcheting up the switching cost for a large portion of its "search" user base (estimating 10% by extrapolating from market share data).  The poison pill imbedded in the 'Google Pack' - Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, ensures that a user downloading this Firefox browser will be hooked on Google.  It is furthermore, effectively cross-selling its top new launches through the 'Google Pack' to step beyond the web and onto users' desktops. 

Now, I'm all for continuing my love-hate relationship with Google, but in a situation like this the pendulum swings; towards the latter sentiment but not for the apparent supposition. 

If Google was upfront about the rationale behind the partnership, I would be thoroughly impressed and emphatically supportive of such a great play.

However, the official response from a Google rep was "Google is promoting Firefox with Google Toolbar because tabbed browsing and safer surfing help provide our users with a great search experience" (Google Fires Up Firefox, www.thestreet.com).  Now this steams me, because it unnecessarily speaks down to the intelligence of its adherents in an almost patronizing fashion, watch the one hand and miss what the other hand is truly doing.