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I'm going to do a short series today and Monday to teach you how to use the same mad ninja skillz.
Today we're going to look at basic searches and Google search tools. On Monday we're going to look at my favorite advanced search tools. If I get an overwhelming response, I can add additional parts to the series.
One little caveat: It can be scary to realize just how much information about you is available on the internet. You are not anonymous online. If someone really knows what they're doing, they can track down all kinds of free information about you by using just your email address or just your name. We'll look at name searches tomorrow -- you may find them especially useful if you have a detective in your story.
Google Basics
Most people know how to conduct a basic Google search. You type a word or words into the Google Search box and go. You can even type your query in the form of a question.
So let’s say I want to learn more about plagiarism. I just type plagiarism, and I get results like Plagiarism.org, which explains what it is and how to avoid it; the Wikipedia entry; and the Purdue OWL, which is the college’s writing help center.
Maybe I want to learn about anti-plagiarism software, which compares a paper's contents to a huge database of written material. I change my query to anti-plagiarism software.
Basic Built-In Google Tools
Did you know you can use Google as a calculator? A dictionary? A spellchecker? Here's how.
Calculator: Simply type the equation into the Google search box, and Google will give you an answer.
- For example, 5*9= or 6/3=
- For example, define anorexia
Spellchecker: Just type the word you have in mind, and if you're close, Google will respond with "Did you mean: (correct spelling)?"
Built-In Google Search Tools
If you want to search for a term and its synonyms, use the tilde sign (~) before your search term.
Built-In Google Search Tools
If you want to search for a term and its synonyms, use the tilde sign (~) before your search term.
- Example: ~anorexia pulls up information not only on anorexia, but also on eating disorders.
- Example: related:blogger.com pulls up alternate blogging systems, including WordPress and LiveJournal.
If you want to search within a particular site, use [search term] site:[site]
- Example: plagiarism site:archetypewriting.blogspot.com pulls up every incidence of the word plagiarism in this blog.
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This is just what I have been looking for! I hope it's ok with you if I link back to your article when I do mine, so that I can give you some advertising.
I think we writers need to support each other, don't you? By the way...I signed up to "follow" you, also. I'm so glad that I found your blog today--it's incredible! Furthermore,I'm going to put your blog on my "BlogList" on the front of my blog.
Thanks for all of this valuable research information. It's just what I need!
Cynde
Cynde's Got The Write Stuff