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Tricks & Tips

Posts Tagged ‘Google’

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2 Minute Video: To start, click here or on the above image.

This video is a basic introduction on how to search the Internet.

Summary: Use words just like you might ask anyone else:
•    “How large is a killer whale?
•    “How do you make Christmas bows video?
•    “Time in united kingdom

… want to learn more?  Previous tip:  How to Search the Internet

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Your Computer Knows Where You Are

November 13th, 2008
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New location-aware services, such as with maps on iPhones or BlackBerry’s, are moving to your computer.  Soon your computer will know where it is physically located and offer services based on this information.

A few examples might include…

  • Loading weather.com to see weather without having to enter city information
  • Finding coffee shops nearby
  • Exact driving directions from your from porch
  • Now, “They Know.”   ;)

Technology
Right now the technology uses nearby wireless signals, not GPS.  But soon new options will be upon us.  Services will be built in to the next version of Firefox (3.1).  And Microsoft officially stated the next version of Windows will include geo-location tools.

Testing
I was skeptical.  So I tried installing pre-release extensions to make my web browser instantly locate me.  I was amazed!  I headed to Google Maps and clicked Current Position.  It zeroed right down on me in the very building I was in.  Google loaded a Street View and Flickr images for the area.  Nice.

Learn more?
You need Firefox + Greasemonkey + Geode:  http://labs.mozilla.com/2008/10/introducing-geode/

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Here’s a great article I read in the NY Times. The writer lists several simple, but smart tips for the basic computer user.

A few examples:
* You can open the Start menu by tapping the key with the Windows logo on it.

* Google is also a units-of-measurement and currency converter. Type “teaspoons in 1.3 gallons,” for example, or “euros in 17 dollars.” Click Search to see the answer.

* You can tap the Space bar to scroll down on a Web page one screenful. Add the Shift key to scroll back up.

Continue reading…

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How to Search the Internet

September 30th, 2008
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Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWHPf00Jkqg

This is such a creative teaching method! The video above tells a short story on how Internet searches work and how to use them effectively.  I highly recommend a quick view by all.

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What’s Your Start Page?

July 15th, 2008
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Use iGoogle start page to maximize your time.

What page do you first see when you open your browser?  For years I’ve used a blank start page so I can quickly go where I choose, without being distracted.  I’ve always considered the start page an important decision.

About three months ago I started using Google’s iGoogle page.  I love it.  You start with a default page full of “Gadgets” or, plugins.  You can add or edit these to your taste.  For example, a small box shows the weather,  and a few others show several news sites I read.  I especially love my task list right there.   This “splash page” shows everything I need in a clean, consistent method that really helps out.

To change your start page, or home page to iGoogle, simply visit www.google.com.  I recommend you register with Google first, or just go straight to the small iGoogle link at the top right of the screen.

If you’re using Internet Explorer, click the Tools menu, and select Internet Options.  Click the Use Current button near the top. Hit OK.

That’s it!  Now, back on the iGoogle page, follow the onscreen instructions to setup your page to whatever your interests!  Photo Gallery? Wikipedia?  Quote of the Day?  You pick them!

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Do More with Google

May 29th, 2008
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I sure talk about Google a lot.  Honestly, Google does a lot for me.  I am extremely happy with their services.  However, Google does a lot more than just provide great search results.  Here are some other useful things you can put in the search box:

• “What time is it in Chicago” – returns local time in Chicago
• “1Z9999W99999999999” – returns the UPS tracking information for that package. Also try FedEx, and USPS.
• “Delta flight 123” – returns the flight details and status
• “100 dollars in euro” – returns (not very much!) the euros you would receive for $100 USD
• “movies 29649” – returns showtimes in Greenwood, SC
• “expialidostious” – offers a link for you to click the correct spelling: expialidosious. I use Google as a spell checker all the time! ;)

You can mix and match these with the TXT service options from my last tip as well.  Here are many more examples from Google:  http://www.google.com/help/features.html

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4 Tricks for Your Phone

May 27th, 2008
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GetHuman
Tired of pressing options (4, 7, 2, 2) to get a LIVE person on the phone when dialing a large company? www.gethuman.com is a list of user tested numbers and/or options that fast track you to a human. Extremely helpful when you’re frustrated. ;) (You can always just try pressing zero a few hundred times, or screaming, either sometimes will take you right to someone (or hang up on you).)

Free 411
Stop calling 411 for $1 (or more) a call.  Try 1-800-FREE-411.  This free service, by Google, finds your listing and even offers to send a TXT message with the number.  Here’s a demo: http://www.google.com/goog411/index.html

Google’s TXT Services
Send a text message to GOOGL (46645) like, “Chinese restaurants, Times Square” or “Weather 29649″ or “Define plethora” or “directions from 29649 to Atlanta, GA”  and you’ll get a text message right back.

Jott
Don’t forget about Jott.com.  I emailed once already about this (http://www.digitaloffice.com/tips/?p=9) and it really is a hidden jewel.  Dial Jott and it will send your transcribed chat to yourself or others. Easy for reminders!

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Your Music Online

May 6th, 2008
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Instantly listen to music online:
This is just the neatest site!  www.deezer.com has got to be the easiest way to immediately start listening to any song.  Visit the site, type in the name of your artist or song and BAM it starts playing. Fast, easy, and free. If you want, there are options to legally download the song on the spot.
For example: http://www.deezer.com/track/167510

www.last.fm is another online resource for listening to music online.

Find your music online:
Ever hear a song on the radio you just wish you knew the name or artist? Here’s what I do: www.google.com. Type in: +lyrics <all the lyrics you heard>.

For example: +lyrics said it’s too late  … will quickly find One Republic’s – Apologize.http://tinyurl.com/6rre24
(The + in front of a word in a Google search makes that word a REQUIRED part of the search.)

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I’m a strong user of Google’s vast array of online tools. Including, Google Maps.

If you’re not using Google Maps, check out the following great introduction video tutorial. Learn how to find businesses and check reviews, get driving directions and select your route, learn about satellite images, and more:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az962pd4IOw

Street View is a really neat feature that allows you to actually SEE the streets in a growing number of major cities (eg. NYC).  Check out this video as well. It’s also a good way to get a second example of how to use Google Maps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgJSXrkwshg

Get started now: http://maps.google.com

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Language Translation

April 15th, 2008
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Babel Fish, by AltaVista has been around for ages. Type in your word or sentence (I copy and paste) and choose from and to which language. Easy: http://babelfish.altavista.com/

Yesterday I needed to view some websites that were in another language and found Google has a similar tool. Not only can you convert text, but you can specify a web address and it will convert the whole website! It was helpful for me: http://www.google.com/translate_t

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