Google is a powerful search engine.

But, most use only the basic functions. 

Most type in a word or words and get a result. 

Few use the more advanced features. 

Here are 5 other ways/hints to using google.

1. Ignore spelling, punctuation and case. Google automatically corrects. Many people backspace, spell correct, etc. This is the one place you really do not need to worry about typos.
2. Remove what you know you do not want. If you are searching for a place to eat, but do not want pizza, simply type in -pizza at the end of your search phrase. For example, if you typed in " detroit woodward restaurant -pizza", your result would eliminate pizza places. You can use "+" as well to 'enforce' or add things.
3. Get a definition. Type in "define:" in front of any word. Example define: pizza
4. Do math. Simply type in the equation in the google search box. Example 8 * 124. When you hit enter, the answer will be displayed. This works for complex math, and follows the order of operations. 
5. Find a certain type of file. If you wanted to find power point files for example, you can type filetype:ppt in front of what you want to find. Example to find a PowerPoint on Woodward Avenue, type in "filetype:ppt Woodward Avenue". FYI- common file types are txt (text), doc/docx (word/word 2007 and above), xls/xlsx (excel/excel 2007 and above), ppt/pptx (PowerPoint/PowerPoint 2007 and above).

Google is very deep. You can learn more about refining the search tools and using other features here http://www.google.com/insidesearch/. 

Take a few minutes to try out the above 5 for starters.

You will likely find something that is pertinent to your daily routine that may save you some time.

Happy Monday!