The world’s most popular search engine offers some useful hidden features which can help you to conduct your searches far more efficiently. The majority of Internet users aren’t even aware of most, if any, of these features. Few of them are particularly obvious, but learning how to use them will save you a great deal of time when it comes to getting relevant results. The following looks at some of the innovative tips and tricks which can help to revolutionize the way you use Google.
Introducing Operators in Google
The term ‘operator’ might sound like something that would only interest techies, but they are actually extremely simple to use. All you need to know is which commands to enter into your search queries. There are dozens of these commands available, but the most common ones are typically the only ones that you will need to know. Following are some of the most useful for refining your search
site: – Using this command followed by a Web address will only show results from that website. Alternatively, you can specify only a top level domain. For example, entering ‘site:co.uk’ will only show websites whose addresses end in co.uk.
” “ – Placing a search term containing multiple words in quotation marks will search for the exact phrase rather than searching for the words in any order.
– – Placing a minus sign before a search term tells Google to exclude any webpages containing that word.
OR – Typing ‘OR’ between keywords will search for content containing one keyword or the other as well as results containing both.
.. – Separating two numbers with two dots will search for results within that specific number range. You can use this to find results from a specific time span or even for searching for items for sale within a specific price range.
filetype: – This command will search for files of a specific type. For example, entering ‘web design filetype:pdf’ will search for any PDF files containing the key phrase ‘web design.’
author: – This command will search for content written by the specified author.
* – Placing an asterisk before a search term activates Google’s wildcard feature. The symbol represents any word or words between the first and second parts of the search term.
In addition to the symbols and commands covered above, there are a number of more advanced operators. You can find a full list of these at googleguide.com/advanced_operators_reference.html.
Other Useful Google Tricks
Google presents a huge range of tools which you can use simply by entering some commands. Using these commands, you can use Google as a unit converter, dictionary and even a calculator.
define: – This command will provide you with the definition of the word placed after it. The definition of the word will appear at the top of the search results. Below, you will see normal search results for that word.
Using mathematical operators, you can use Google as a basic calculator. The operators are ‘–‘ for minus, ‘+‘ for plus, ‘/‘ for divide and ‘*‘ for multiply. When you enter such a command, you will also be presented with a Web-based scientific calculator for more advanced equations.
Unit conversion couldn’t be simpler using Google, since you can enter the commands naturally. For example, entering ’60 pounds in kilograms’ will provide you with the answer and the unit converter.
Using Google Chrome
Google Chrome has become one of the world’s most popular Web browsers, and for good reason too. Not only is it fast, efficient and leaves a relatively small footprint on system resources; it also integrates fully with Google’s services. Any of the commands mentioned above may also be entered into the address bar, since it also provides the same functionality as the Google search page. Other Web browsers also provide this feature, although they usually don’t have Google specified as the default search engine.
Want to make money with Google? CLICK HERE … You’ll be glad you did.
