More Google tips and tricks

After my last post, I received many emails requesting more information on how to use Google optimally. Well, I must admit that I spend way too much time researching the abilities of Google and all the cool Google products, but I guess if I can share it with all of you, it is making the world a better place.

Here are 10 things you might not have known about Google:

Google Presentations: In the past month or so, Google has introduced its version of Microsoft’s PowerPoint, and even though still in basic form, it does the job. See Google Presentations in action.

Google Translation: Even though it is on the landing page of Google, people tend to miss the most amazing translation tool you have ever seen. You can translate full websites into many other languages. Have a look at Thought Leader in Chinese, Spanish or even French.

Google Alerts: Google Alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news and so forth) based on your choice of query or topic. Yes, as soon as a website, article or blog is posted with your favourite topic, Google will email you.

Google Definitions: By typing ”define:World Wide Web”, you will get many definitions and believe me, when you are unsure about the meaning of a word, Google Definitions has your answer.

Google Trends: Ever wondered which is the most popular — Xbox, PS2 or Wii?. Google has all the answers, and by making use of Google Trends, you can see the search trends in graph format, with relevant news to explain the spikes. You could also try: Google Music Trends and Google Hot Trends.

Google’s Photo Organiser: Picasa is a free software download from Google that helps you locate and organise all the photos on your computer. You can also edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks. And to make it even smarter, you can share your photos with others through email, prints and on the web.

South African Maps in Google: If you have not been to Google Maps in the past few months, you will be surprised to find South African street maps included. Here is a link to Pretoria’s map.

Google Weather: Looking for a quick five-day forecast of the weather in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town or Pretoria? All you need to do is to type: weather Pretoria, ZA and voila!

Google Book Search is a tool from Google that searches the full text of books that Google scans and stores in its digital database. That means you can read the books online before you buy them. A feature called My Library was added that allows the creation of personalised libraries so that one can label, review, rate or full-text search a customised selection of books.

And leaving the best for last … a Google fact. People can’t spell. Look at the spellings of Britney Spears when people search on Google. I was amazed.

Well, that is all for now. Keep on Googling in Zulu or Xhosa.