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Tips on Being a Better Googler

by Terrence O'Brien on April 22, 2009 at 03:28 PM

How to be a Better Google-er
The May issue of 'Esquire' contains a list of '25 Essential Skills for Men,' which appropriately enough includes "How to Google Efficiently." However, as GeekSugar is quick to point out, the tips on the list (such as typing "gogle.com" instead of "google.com" to shave milliseconds off your search time) are pretty lacking in usefulness. GeekSugar instead offers suggestions like using the search box built into your browser, and installing the Google Toolbar to help make the act of searching quicker and easier. But what if you want to take your Googling to the next level? Check out our own tips below for how to get the most out of Google, and impress your friends and colleagues with how quickly you can find information online.


  • Learn some of Google's advanced search operators - There are more potential operators than the average person could possibly keep remember, but definitely learn to use these: "AND" (all caps) between search terms to return results that only contain both words; "OR" for results that contain one word or the other; "-" to exclude a search term (e.g. "Wrens -bird" to find out about the band). Also, putting a search in quotes (e.g. "Gadgets. Tech. Digital Stuff.") will only present results that include that exact phrase.
  • Use Google Calculator - Simply typing in math equations or conversions in the Google search box will return instant results. Need to know what 50 degrees Celsius is in Fahrenheit? Just search Google for " 50 degrees Celsius in Fahrenheit" to quickly find out the answer: 122 degrees.
  • Use Google as a Dictionary - Start a search with "define:" and get instant definitions for words.
  • Use Google to track Stocks, Sports, Flights, etc. - Google will present you with quick updates if you just search for a flight name (e.g. "delta flight 5778"), stock price (e.g. "GOOG"), or sports team. You can even enter a movie name and zip code after "movie:" to get show times and reviews.
  • Get the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything - Simply ask Google for "the answer to life the universe and everything" and the secrets of existence will be revealed.
[From: Esquire and GeekSugar]

Death of Print

    Elle Girl
    In April 2006, Elle Girl's print edition was closed down, but the Web site lives on at ellegirl.com.

    CosmoGirl
    Though it will be folded into Seventeen magazine, the teen version of Cosmopolitan will publish its last print issue in December 2008. It will live on at CosmoGirl.com.

    Christian Science Monitor
    Founded in 1908 by Mary Baker Eddy, this venerable paper will move all its daily content to the Web starting in 2009, though it will still publish a weekly print version.

    Radar Magazine
    Was it too snarky for its own good? We'll never know, but this modern-day successor to '80s-era Spy magazine shut down in October. AMI, owner of the National Enquirer, bought RadarOnline.com, however, which will focus on celebrity gossip a la TMZ.com.

    US News and World Report
    Once a serious competitor to Time and Newsweek, US News and World Report is now best known for its College guides, which it will continue to publish. The weekly newsmagazine, however, will be turned into a monthly, and all daily operations are moving to the Web at usnews.com.

Tags: esquire, geeksugar, search, top

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