The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Using Google - for the bookshelf Major Keary |
Google is probably the Web search engine employed by most Web users; there are other — often fee-for-service — search engines for specialist purposes, and it is possible to write a robotic (bot) program to perform specific search-and-retrieve tasks. Many ordinary users go to Google by default, finding it easy to use and appreciating its ad-free environment. However, the power and flexibility of Google is not always appreciated, which is something that has attracted a number of Google books.
A recent addition to the literature is How to Do Everything with Google; books in the how-to ... series, published by McGraw-Hill under the Osborne imprint, are designed for beginners and more experienced users. 'Beginners' means 'beginning Google'; they are expected to be familiar with basic computer operations and — in this instance — know how to navigate around the Web. Experienced users will find explanations of advanced search techniques that save time and produce better results.
The book is in two parts. The first introduces Google and explains how to craft searches, find specialised information, and understand search results (which is an important aspect of effective searching). This part also discusses the various tools built into Google and how to configure it to suit individual requirements.
The second part describes Goggle's search features, such as searching news sources and discussion forums, finding images, browsing by topic, and seeking assistance from researchers. The 'ask researchers' option enables users to post a question to a researcher pool; this service attracts a fee, but users are able to specify what they are prepared to pay. Questions and answers can be browsed. You may not be able to find a link to answers on Google's main page; go directly to http://www.answers.google.com. This is a recently implemented feature that I have not seen described elsewhere in such detail. Another feature worth mentioning is the online calculator, which is versatile and able to perform a wide range of functions; however, users should keep in mind that any computations have to be done while the online meter is ticking, and the calculator uses floating-point arithmetic.
A well-presented text with plenty of supporting screen shots. Good value.
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Schneider, Blachman, and Fredericksen: How to Do Everything with Google ISBN 0-07-223174-2 Published by McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 361 pp., RRP $52.95 incl. GST |
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Reprinted from the June 2004 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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