Google is more than a search engine. It is a dictionary, a calculator, an almanac, a phone book, and much more. Here's how to harness some of its other powers.
LOCAL Want to find where to buy something in a particular area, check the events in the city you live in, or research a place you're going to visit? Go to f="http://www.local.google.com">local.google.com and enter what you're looking for along with the city, state, or zip code to find out.
TOP 10 WORDS Google limits searches to only the first ten words entered, so keep your search phrases as short as possible. Google searches on words in the order they are entered, so book paper would give you a different result than paper book.
OPTIONS To mine the vast collection of Google's ever-expanding services, go to the icon menu at www.google.com/options/index.html.
DEFINE Find definations to words by typing define:word. Only the defination is returned. If you want sites based on the word as well, drop the colon. Example: define word
BUILT-IN CALCULATOR Using the Google calculator is as easy as 2+2. Just enter the numbers you'd like to calculate, without the equal sign. Example: 2+2 returns with 2+2=4.
For multiplication, use an asterick (*). For division, use a forward slash (/).
You can also use Google's calculator to query higher-level mathematics. For directions go to http://www.google.com/help/calculator.html.
MAPS Type map location (where location is a city and/or state) for your choice of maps. Or do a more exacting search by entering a US street address, city, state and/or zip code. Example: 123 main street san francisco ca (For a region map, enter a phone area code. Example: 941)
STOCK QUOTES Enter a ticker symbol for a company or mutual fund on the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or American Stock Exchange.
PHONE BOOK Enter an individual residential phone number (941-555-1212) to get a listed address (and Map) or enter a first name (or initial), last name, and city to get the number, if listed. You can also zero in by adding the area code or zip code as well. Don't have an address? List the last name and a zip code or city and state to get a search result.
PACKAGE TRACKING Enter your tracking number from Federal Express, United Parcel Service, or the United States Postal Service.
UNIVERSAL PRODUCT CODE Enter the UPC number to get information on the product and its maker.
FLIGHT NUMBER Enter the airline name and flight number for status. Example: united airlines 150 or usair 150