Google PageRank Update Underway

What is Google PageRank? Simply put, it's a ranking system. From the founders of Google:

"PageRank relies on the uniquely democratic nature of the web by using its vast link structure as an indicator of an individual page's value. In essence, Google interprets a link from page A to page B as a vote, by page A, for page B. But, Google looks at more than the sheer volume of votes, or links a page receives; it also analyzes the page that casts the vote. Votes cast by pages that are themselves "important" weigh more heavily and help to make other pages "important."

Right now, it's being speculated as to whether there is actually a PageRank update going on. I can say with certainty that this page had a nice little bump in ratings (thanks, dear readers!). Also, via SEO Roundtable, I learned that there are a few discussions going on around the Web about this very subject.

• DigitalPoint forums talking about Google PageRank going up, then down, then up again...
• SEO Chat forums discussing the update
• SearchEngineWatch 's forums are busy, and "Operation Danny" seems to be well underway.

Want to see the little Google PageRank indicator on your browser? Whatever browser you use, you first need to download Google Toolbar.

• For Microsoft Internet Explorer: Just click on the big Google. Go to Options, and check off Page Rank Display. Click Ok.
• For Firefox: The first time you start your browser after installing Google's new toolbar for Firefox users, a little window will pop up asking you if you want PageRank displayed. Check yes. If you don't see this, it's easy to go in and fix it. Just click on the big Google on your toolbar, go to Options, check off Page Rank Display, and click Ok.

Related:

• PageRank: How Important Is It? Should you be overly concerned about it, or should you focus more on building a good, content-rich site?
• Little Known Facts About Google: Find out some secret information about Google. Or, at least some stuff that most people don't know.
• Search Engine Optimization Tools: Use these search engine optimization tools to analyze your keyword density, view how search engine spiders see your site, check your backlinks, and much more.