home | homework | links | glossary | sitemap | contact
Week 6: Searching on Google
Google is one of the most popular search engines for discovering content on the Internet. A search engine "spiders" content from the World Wide Web and indexes it so that you can search for the content you're interested in by entering a search query.
While typing in a simple search query (such as "dreamweaver tips") is all you have to do to get started, Google also allows you to make "query refinements" using symbols in your query. A few examples:
- Plus (+) Operator: Google removes certain common words from your query to help improve results. But if a common word such as where, the, or how is an important part of your query, you can ensure that it's considered in your query by placing a "+" sign in front of it. Example: ben +and jerry's
- Related Search: To find sites similar to a particular website, type "related:" followed by the website address into the Google search box. Example: related:www.slate.com
- Fill in the Blank: You can have Google find queries by adding an asterisk (*) at the part of the sentence or question that you want finished into the Google search box. Example: Einstein discovered *
In addition, Google's search engine also has useful shortcuts to perform specific tasks quickly and easily. From finding a local restaurant to tracking a package, it's easy with the Google shortcuts below. You can also find a full list of search features from Google.
- Weather: Type "weather" followed by the city and state, U.S. zip code, or city and country. Example: weather Cupertino, CA
- Calculator: Enter the calculation you'd like done into the search box. This can get pretty sophisticated. Example: 5*9+(sqrt 10)^3=
- Local Search: Looking for a store, restaurant, or other local business? Enter the business category and your zip code. Example: macarons 90034
- Flight Tracking: Enter the name of the airline and the flight number to get up-to-date flight info. Example: oceanic airlines flight 815 (just kidding!)
- Package Tracking:Track packages by entering the tracking number for your UPS, Fedex or USPS package. Example: 1Z9999W99999999999