Google is a powerful search engine.
But, most use only the basic functions.
Most type in a word or words and get a result.
Few use the more advanced features.
Here are 5 other ways/hints to using google.
- Ignore spelling, punctuation and case. Google automatically corrects. Many people backspace, spell correct, etc. This is the one place you really do not need to worry about typos.
- Remove what you know you do not want. If you are searching for a place to eat, but do not want pizza, simply type in -pizza at the end of your search phrase. For example, if you typed in " detroit woodward restaurant -pizza", your result would eliminate pizza places. You can use "+" as well to 'enforce' or add things.
- Get a definition. Type in "define:" in front of any word. Example define: pizza
- Do math. Simply type in the equation in the google search box. Example 8 * 124. When you hit enter, the answer will be displayed. This works for complex math, and follows the order of operations.
- Find a certain type of file. If you wanted to find power point files for example, you can type filetype:ppt in front of what you want to find. Example to find a PowerPoint on Woodward Avenue, type in "filetype:ppt Woodward Avenue". FYI- common file types are txt (text), doc/docx (word/word 2007 and above), xls/xlsx (excel/excel 2007 and above), ppt/pptx (PowerPoint/PowerPoint 2007 and above).
Google is very deep. You can learn more about refining the search tools and using other features here http://www.google.com/insidesearch/.
Take a few minutes to try out the above 5 for starters.
You will likely find something that is pertinent to your daily routine that may save you some time.
Happy Monday!
