Google spent millions of dollars on Get Your Business Online, a nationwide campaign that included multiday workshops in states such as Iowa and Texas in which Google helped local businesses set up websites and an online business listing tied to its search engine, free of charge.

WSJ: Behind Google's Antitrust Escape

Thrown in almost free are Digital's speedy Alpha microprocessor and popular Alta Vista search engine.

FORBES: Bon apptit!

Google's search engine runs on 100, 000 cheap servers and a form of free Linux software.

FORBES: Yin Yang, Big Bang

Some U.S. courts have agreed with Google's assertion that its search-engine results are a kind of opinion that is protected by free-speech rights.

WSJ: Google to Buy Frommer's Brand From Wiley & Sons

Google, an internet giant that has been scanning and digitising books for inclusion in its search engine, now offers thousands of books that are in the public domain free on mobile phones.

ECONOMIST: Electronic-book readers

Google's strategy for years was to allow manufacturers to use its free Android operating software, helping them compete with Apple Inc. gadgets and ensuring that its search engine would be built into the devices.

WSJ: Google to Buy Frommer's Brand From Wiley & Sons

In addition, FiOS TV offers an innovative Interactive Media Guide with next-generation, personalized interactive services, including free Facebook and Twitter social media applications, news and entertainment widgets, ESPN Fantasy Football, a robust search engine, and many other features.

ENGADGET: Verizon to offer Epix movie channel / streaming service on FiOS, VCast

The free program aims to answer questions directly, rather than display web pages in response to a query like a search engine.

BBC: Web tool 'as important as Google'