Google is the most used search engine on the web, but there is more to it that what it seems. To make your web searching more productive, there are several ways to get the results you want.
Either/Or
Google normally searches for pages that contain all the words you type in the search box, but if you want pages that have one term or another (or both), use the OR operator. So, if you wanted an MP3 Player, by typing in Mp3 player4GB OR 8GB, you would get results for both 4GB and 8GB Mp3 Players.
Exclude/Include
You can put a minus next to a word in your search to exclude it from the results. Putting a plus sign in front of a word makes sure Google includes the word. For example, the search term mp3 players +8GB -Samsung will return results for non Samsung Mp3 Players that are 8GB.
Exact Phrases
To find exact wording, put quotation marks around the specified term. It can be slightly variable, because you can do it for the whole search terms or part of it.
Calculator
Google Search can perform calculations, such as 15×86 or the square root of 64. In some cases, it is quicker than bringing up the calculator on your computer and has more functions. It can calculate metric conversions, currency conversions and tell you the answer to life, the universe and everything.
Define
By putting define: in front of a search term, Google will give you a list of definitions from a range of different sites.
Number Range
You can enter a term with a number range after it to find something about it in that time period. For example, best books 2002..2007 will return lists of best books for each of the years from 2002. Make sure you use 2 periods.
Find out the Time in other Countries
By typing what time is it followed by a city, Google will give you the local time of that place.
January 25th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Nice Article.