How to Do Better Google Searches
Feel like there's something missing from your life? Just hop on Google, and follow these simple steps to pinpoint whatever you're looking for in a jiffy.
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You Will Need
- A computer with an internet connection
Steps
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Step 1
Go to Google homepage
Go to Google’s homepage at www.google.com
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Step 2
Type in key words
Type in key words related to your search. Try to be specific without including too many words.
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Google generally ignores very common words like 'how.' If a common word is essential to your search, put a plus sign in front of it. Otherwise, just leave it out.
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Step 3
Add quotes
Put quotes around any phrase in your search. This tells Google to look for words in a specific order. Quotes are especially helpful with names.
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Instead of putting quotes around your phrase, you can do the same thing by putting dashes between the words.
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Step 4
Narrow search
Narrow down your search by adding additional words or phrases. Try to think of unusual words that are specific to the thing you’re looking for.
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Step 5
Searching range of numbers
To search within a range of numbers, type a low number and high number separated by two periods, with no spaces. For example, if you want to find something between 100 and 200 dollars, type dollar sign-one hundred-dot-dot-dollar sign-two hundred.
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Step 6
Use "Advanced Search"
To further refine your search, click 'Advanced Search.' Here you can specify languages, file formats, dates, and other characteristics.
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On the Advanced Search page, you can also filter out any results containing 'adult content'—including graphic images or video—by clicking on 'Filter using SafeSearch.'
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Step 7
Use different words
If you’re still not finding what you want, start over with different words or phrases. That’s it—you’ll have what you’re looking for in no time.
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Google was originally known as 'BackRub'—and the first site it ever searched was Google cofounder Larry Page’s homepage at Stanford.
