Google search features Jan04 '06

Many web surfers only find Google useful for finding web pages. Sure, finding web pages was key to Google’s success, but it’s only scratching the surface on what Google can do, for you.

I wanted to mention other scenarios that I use Google for, and you should too. It could save you a lot of time.

Currency conversion

This morning, I started laying out a "poster graphic" for a project I’m working on for a client.

I didn’t know what size to make the poster, but based on the dimensions of the booth, I’d probably get a better idea.

The booth dimensions are 950 CM by 2380 CM.

Of course, within Adobe Illustrator, I could just create a document to match those dimensions, but I wanted to know how many inches that actually was.

So I went to Google and typed in this:

990 centimeters to inches

Keyword to remember: to

Use the keyword to in between the measurement you want to convert, and the type you want to convert it to.

Calculator

For some reason, my PC at work doesn’t have the built-in calculator software, under Start - Programs - Accessories. (Usually it’s located there.)

I have no idea where it is, and I don’t have time to dig through my Program Files, to do a simple calculation.

So, if I’m in the browser, I can simply use Google to perform the math:

60% * 8

Notice how it even converts percents properly.

Definitions

Often when I’m driving, walking, or just doing anything away from the computer, I think of words which I don’t know the meaning of. At that instant, I’d like to know the meaning of the particular word, instead of writing it down, and looking it up later:

define coy

But wait! What if I’m not near the computer, in order to type that in??

You can use your mobile phone for various Google-related services - particularly definitions. Just send a text message to Google’s SMS number, which is 46645, using the same syntax:

define coy

A text message should be sent back to you (right away) with the definition you requested.

Keyword to remember: define

Weather

Again, if I’m away from the computer (typically while driving), sometimes I need to find the weather.

I can simply write a text message (works from the computer, as well):

weather Schaumburg, IL

... or you can simply use the zip code:

weather 60173

Categories: Fun Facts , Search , Services

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And the fact that you can have the power of Google in e-mail (with gmail) is great, too. My brother's graduating college soon (no more school addre ... Read more.

matthom is published and produced by Matt Thommes - an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from Chicago. Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.