Tips & Tricks

We all know Google as an effective search interface. Recently it has expanded to cover many other fields, including email, maps, applications, photos, blogging, books, etc.

Google Docs

To get started, simply choose Docs from the "More..." drop-down menu in the basic web search page. You will need to open a Google account. This is free and fairly useful as it allows you access to all of Google's extra applications and to GMail.

Once you have verified your new account by clicking on the link that is sent to you in an email, you can get started creating word processing, spreadsheet & presentation documents. Think of it as web-based Microsoft Office--Google has made it easy to navigate by preserving the styles and features of the programs we are accustomed to using. Once you have created your document, you can share it by inviting others to view and collaborate. You can also publish documents to create a permanent on-line link.

Be aware that there are confidentiality issues with this type of service – it is possible for Google to review posted documents.

Google Searching

Tip #1: Choose your keywords wisely. Select descriptive, specific words.

• Search for: Vancouver 2010 Olympics rather than Olympics

• Search for: 2004 football statistics rather than football

• Place the most important or unique word first (e.g. Denver Hotels, not Hotels Denver).

Tip #2: Use quotes for an exact match.

• When you enclose your search query in quotation marks, you'll only get results for the exact terms you entered in the order you entered them.

• Search for: "friendly robot" rather than friendly robot.

Tip #3: Here are a couple of tricks to use in the general search field.

	For calculations, search for the equation
	Example: 5+2*2

	For flight status, search for the flight number
	Example: united 134

	To track a package, search for the package's tracking number
	Example: 1Z9999W99999999999