Ten Minus One

Today's Topic: Search Tips

On the far left of this navigation bar you will find the feature Google is most famous for. Search.
When you click on the word Search you get this familiar page:

So without further delay here are some tips to help you become a Google Genius.

1. Start Simple: Don't get fancy. Start by entering a basic word or name in the search bar. If you are looking for a location, enter the name along with the town or zip code.

2. Spelling Doesn't Count: That's right, sound it out. Points will not be deducted from your results if you misspell it. Google's spell checker automatically defaults to the most common spelling of a given word no matter how you spell it. Google is SO smart.

3. Use web friendly words: Spelling may not count but word choice does. Instead of searching "my tummy hurts" you will get better results using "stomach ache".

4. Be Exact: Ok this is for those of you want to get fancy with your searches. Use quotations marks around the words in your search to search for a specific phrase in an exact order. "Benjamin Franklin" or "Tortellini Soup".

5. Don't be sensitive: Google search is not case sensitive so feel free to use CAPS, CamelCase or lowercase.

6: Look in one place: Use site: before your search term. If you want information from a government site only, then type site: gov before your search.

7. No punctuation: Punctuation isn't necessary.

8. Need a specific file type? No problem add filetype: and the 3 letter extension (PDF, DOC, XLS, PPT...........)

9. Let me Google it: Looking for a definition? Put define: in front of any word to get its definition.

 I have no clue what we will be discussing tomorrow -- so be sure and tune in to see what happens.

--- IT Girl