Surf backwards is what people often do on search engines sites, like Yahoo, or MSN. Searching, surfing, or conducting a "Google" search is matter of typing in the appropriate keywords to render the ideal results. But beyond shopping for the cheapest flight to Rome, there are a few other resources used to searching the engines.
For starters, search engines provide more information, than meets the surf. Using Google as an example, search engines offer a wealth of information. Behind the institutionalized home page of Google, a number of useful tools are within a consumer's reach. Use these simple search engine strategies to acquire the information you need:
Area Code Identifier
To identify the state an unknown caller is contacting you; simply enter the three-digit number of the area code, along with the word "area code."
Spell Check
Unsure, how to spell a word, Google offers hints? Let's use bike trail in Mississippi, and Google will passively suggest: "Did you mean bike trail Mississippi?"
Book Catalog
Looking for a book online is by far simpler than going to the library. Instead of learning the Dewey Classification (DDC) system, copy and paste the URL of Google's Beta book directory, http://books.google.com/ into your browser. Voila, continue the search as if it were any other search — but using the title, author or whatever meager information you have about the book.
Convert Currency
Traveling to England and wondering how far the American Dollar will take you is made simple. On Google, simply click the preferences link, located under the search browser of Google's home page.
Calculate It
Although, the Google company has not programmed their search engine to solve calculus equations, it has no problem solving basic mathematical calculations, (adding, subtracting and division).
Define It
Stumped on how to use a word? Simply: type the word, "define:" in Google's search window, followed by the actual word you are checking the dictionary.
Translate It
The translation feature is one of my favorite Google resources. Let's say you're shopping online for European shawl, made from lamb's wool to give your mother-in-law. The only problem is that the terms of the sale are in German. Thanks to Google's simple translation page, the URL (web address) can be pasted onto Google's translation language tool – or for a translation snippet snippet, cut and paste the foreign words into the translation box. Do not forget to select which language you would like to read the translation in.
Since, these nifty search engine resources, these tools should not be used to improve an exam score. Unless – of course, it's an open book test.
