The OneMinute Geek

Getting more bang from Google

The Problem:

There are many search engines on the Net. Some are better than others, but most people agree that Google is terrific--and it’s free! What most people don’t realize is how much of a wallop it actually packs.

The Solution:

To make life simpler, the group at Google has developed the Google Toolbar.

If you’re using the latest version of FireFox as your browser, you’ll notice a Google field is pre-installed and located near the top right of your browser’s window.

Internet Explorer does not come with Google. Installing it makes sense, not only in terms of time savings when doing searches, but also because Google serves as an effective pop-up blocker when in it’s in your browser.

To install Google into Internet Explorer, go to this page: http://www.google.com/downloads/

Notice how many search options there are. The Google Desktop Search is relatively new feature that enables you to search your computer’s files just like you search the Internet.

Note: When installing the Google Toolbar, you’ll be asked whether you want Advanced Features. If you choose it, the Toolbar will send information about your surfing habits to Google. Supposedly the information is kept anonymous, but I always choose not to allow “spying” whenever possible. If you are like me, do NOT select the Advanced Features.

The whole process is quick and painless. When done, type in the name of a family member or friend and see what pops up in a Google search!

To customize your built-in Google, click on the ‘Options’ tab in the Google Toolbar.

Using Google effectively is directly related to understanding some of its little tricks. For example, when searching with string of words like “ Hawaii surfing beaches”, the search will place more emphasis on the first words rather than the later words. In this case, Google will search for ‘ Hawaii’ pages that include something about surfing and beaches, rather than ‘beach pages’ that include something about ‘ Hawaii.’

Also, Google does not work like Ask Jeeves. It’s not designed to answer questions like “who invented the Internet?” In fact, Google ignores words like who, how, where, to, and is.

Finally, a Google search is not case sensitive. In other words, it doesn’t matter whether you enter key words in upper and lower case letters.

To learn how to operate Google more effectively, go to http://www.google.com/help/basics.html.

Happy surfing!

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.