The Basics of Google Search

To begin searching the Internet using Google, type in a few descriptive key words and press the 'enter' key (or click on the Google Search button). A list of relevant web pages (called hits) will be displayed.

Since Google only displays web pages that contain all the words in your query (or search), refining or narrowing your search is as simple as adding more words to the search terms you have already entered. The more keywords you add, the narrower your search will be.

Choosing Keywords

For best results, it's important to choose your keywords wisely. Keep these tips in mind:

• Try the obvious first. If you're looking for information on Picasso, enter "Picasso" rather than "painters".
• Use words likely to appear on a site with the information you want. Luxury hotel Indianapolis gets better results than really nice places to spend the night in Indianapolis
• Make keywords as specific as possible. Antique lead soldiers gets more relevant results than old metal toys.
• If you’re not getting enough hits, broaden (or take out some keywords) your search

Automatic "and" Queries

By default, Google only returns pages that include all of your search terms. There is no need to include the word "and" between terms.

Automatic Exclusion of Common Words

Google ignores common words and characters such as "where" and "how", as well as certain single digits and single letters, because they tend to slow down your search without improving the results.

Use Phrasing

Use a technique called phrasing to narrow your search or if common or short words are needed in your search. For example:

lewis and clark receives 4,830,000 hits

“lewis and clark” receives 1,290,000 hits

Google isn’t Ask Jeeves

Don’t ask Google questions like “how far is Jupiter away from the sun?” Instead key in key words like: distance Jupiter sun

Capitalization

Google searchs are not case sensitive. For example, searches for "george washington", "George Washington", and "gEoRgE wAsHiNgToN" will all return the same results.

Search By Category

The Google Web Directory (located at directory.google.com) is a good place to start if you're not exactly sure which search keywords to use. (Click on More, then Directory) For example, searching for [ Saturn ] within the Science > Astronomy category of the Google Web Directory returns only pages about the planet Saturn, while searching for [ Saturn ] within the Automotive category returns only pages about Saturn cars. Searching within a category of interest allows you to quickly narrow in on only the most relevant pages to you.

A Quick Lesson on Images and the Internet

Google Image Library is a quick way to find pictures on the Internet.

All graphics, text, (if taken word for word) and/or music must be correctly cited when taken from the Internet. (An exception to citing graphics is when they are taken from Microsoft Office Design Gallery since these are copyright free.)

 A Thumbnail is a smaller version of an image on the Internet that has a blue outline. For best results, blow them up! (by clicking on them). General rule – don’t copy or save thumbnails – they’re ugly!

 Two ways to get graphics from the Internet onto your computer (and into Word and/or PowerPoint)

Method 1:

Right click on  the image, copy, position the cursor where you want the graphic to be placed, right click, and paste

• Advantages:
• It’s quick and easy
• Disadvantages:
• Image may not be as clear
• If the thumbnail image is copied it’s usually pasted in with a hyperlink (these are very annoying)
• Image has to be used right away – can’t be saved for later.

 Method 2:

Right click on the image, Save Picture As (save the picture from the Internet into your student folder.) Make sure you enter the website in your Internet Resources log in your student folder.

• Advantages:
• Better quality image
• Can use the image later because it’s saved somewhere (instead of in temporary memory on the clipboard)
• Won’t copy the hyperlink
• Disadvantages:
• Takes just a little bit longer (but not much.)