8 Great Google Search Tricks
If you use Google only to search for words and phrases, you're doing it wrong. The service is loaded with many advanced tricks that you can enable from that unassuming search box. Check Google's Search Features list and Advanced Operators List often to see what's new. Here are my favorites.
Find the current time elsewhere: Don't bother trying to convert the time from your local setting to a distant city. Just type time city , as in time Beijing, to see the current time in that location. Yeah, it's too late to call your buddy there.
Search within a domain: Google's great search engine might be better (or simply more convenient) than the search box on a particular site. To limit results to a single site, type search term site:domain name , as in netbook review site:pcworld.com. You can even search within site sections, as in netbook review site:pcworld.com/businesscenter.
Search for a file type: You can look up results that match a specific file type. This trick is great for special searches, such as tracking down a product manual or video file. Try search term filetype:three-letter type . For example, I entered Zoom H2 manual filetype:pdf to find the manual for that Zoom recording device.
Weather as reported by Google SearchGet the weather: Type weather city name or zip code (as in weather San Francisco or weather 11223) to get a quick report of the current conditions and forecast.
Calculate and convert: The search box doubles as a calculator. Try typing math problems, such as 89*22/(16), or conversions, like 100 yards = ? meters. Google will do the rest.
Track stocks: If you're still bold enough to be in the stock market, you can enter a stock's trading abbreviation, such as GOOG, and the first result will show the stock's latest price, a graph of the day, and other financial details.
Get movie times: On the Web you have a myriad of choices to look up show times, but Google's simplicity is tough to beat. Just type movies: city or zip code , as in movies 68501. Click the More movies link to get more-specific listings.
Track packages: Have a FedEx, UPS, or USPS tracking number? Just enter it in the Google search box for the latest package status.
4 Google Gmail Tricks
Gmail is loaded with tricks to help you read and compose mail. If you want to keep up-to-date, Google maintains a list of recent Gmail enhancements. Here are four of my favorites.
Move quickly with keyboard shortcuts: You can use keyboard commands to speed effortlessly through navigation like a monkey swinging between trees. First turn it on by clicking the Settings link at the top of your Gmail page. Click Keyboard shortcuts on and then Save Changes. Afterward, you can press C to compose mail, R to reply, O to open, and much more. For other keys, see the full list of Gmail shortcuts.
Sort out unread messages: You can show only your unread messages with the search string label:unread label:inbox. For a one-click reference, save the search as a bookmark with the following tip.
Save searches as bookmarks: You can save Gmail search queries as URLs, and therefore as bookmarks. The Gmail Search Bookmarks utility allows you to enter your search terms and the bookmark title. Click Generate, and then drag the resulting URL to the bookmark bar for easy access.
Bookmark e-mail: Gmail messages have unique URLs for navigation. That means you can create bookmarks for specific notes. For instance, you can bookmark a message containing an Outlook calendar appointment or to-do item unrelated to Gmail, or perhaps some other message containing the directions to a big party. Afterward, you can return to the source message with just one click.
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