Five Google Tricks
Everyone knows that Google lets you search the Web in a hurry. But Google offers search features and tricks most people aren't aware of.
* Google lets you search for a range of numbers -- a surprisingly handy feature if you're looking for prices, dates, or product features. Here's how it works: If you type two periods between the numbers at either end of a range (1970..1990), Google shows you results with every number in between. For example, if you want to find references to boxers in the first half of the 20th century, try 1900..1950 boxers. Google gives you pages mentioning boxers during that entire span of years. This trick is great for prices ($50..75 Tiffany) and other types of numbers, too, like 45..55 MPG Honda, or 400..600 thread count.
* Google is a national Yellow Pages. If you type in your search terms along with a name and state or zip code, Google offers you "Local Results" -- listings of relevant businesses in the area you've asked for. For example, if you want to send flowers to your cousin in Boise, Idaho, type florist Boise, ID to get a handy list of businesses -- along with their addresses and phone numbers -- that'll deliver a bouquet in Boise.
* Google is a calculator. If you type in 2*2=, the blank search box is smart enough to know that you want to perform some math rather than run a search. (If you actually want to search for instances of the equation itself, then put it in quotes, like this: "2*2=."). The Google calculator can do very complex calculations, and it can also perform unit conversions, like "How many acres in 13 hectares?" or "5 kilometers in miles." You never have to wonder again how many teaspoons are in a cup.
* When you have a question, type in the answer you want to find, rather than the question. For example, if you want to find out who the original drummer for the Beatles was, try "original drummer for the Beatles." If you type your query in the form of a question -- who was the original drummer for the Beatles? -- Google matches your search terms and shows you pages with that question, but not necessarily with the answer.
* If you're a Webmaster and you've accidentally deleted a page from your site, Google may be able to help you retrieve the code. Run a search that'll find the page you lost, and then in your results listing, click the "Cached" link to see a copy of the page when Google last recorded it. (Google keeps a snapshot of all the pages it tracks.) Right click the cached page itself (on a Mac, Ctrl-click) to get a menu with an option to View Page Source or View Source. Voila! Google delivers your original code and saves your bacon.
