Many folks are familiar with the Google Search function…not as many are familiar with the other bells and whistles Google offers.
So, here are just a few of the things you can do thanks to Google..
BASIC FUNCTIONS-
Gmail:
It’s like email…but with a G. (I know, I know). But don’t let my bad jokes stop you, this is one powerful email program. It allows you to search your email with a familiar Google style interface and has powerful enough migration, integration, and categorization features to satisfy even the most discerning email aficionado.
Google Calendar:
A powerful yet simple calendar program that integrates well with other programs such as GMAIL to ensure you never miss nana’s birthday or your girlfriend’s cat’s birthday again.
Google Talk:
Like staying touch with family and friends? Want to video chat within your email? Look no further than Google Talk, a feature-rich chat/instant message software that will ensure you can talk to mom for hours on end about why you missed nana’s birthday party (next time use Google Calendar).
:::but Derek, my friends use AIM, and Yahoo and Windows Live, can I still talk to them?:::
Good question imaginary person, I will cover the answer tomorrow…don’t you have a birthday party you are supposed to be at somewhere?
Google Desktop:
Want to make searching your computer as easy as searching Google? Want to get news, weather and sports updates on the fly? Look no further than Google Desktop, a handy-dandy downloadable program that will streamline the way you use your desktop.
iGoogle:
Want to add fun and function you the Google Homeage? Look no further than iGoogle…it allows you to make search fun by adding all sorts of nifty gadgets to the Google Search page.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS-
Google Trends:
Ever wonder what people are searching for or how to improve the SEO of your own website? Google Trends is a great place to start as it tells you what people are and have been looking for in the past. Keywords and hot topics are at your fingertips.
KNOL:
Google’s answer to Wikipedia…a great source of information from Google users, but still not peer reviewed like Scholarpedia.
Scholar:
A search engine that specifically for students or those looking for only peer-reviewed Scholarly papers.
Books:
Search full and partial text of millions of books.
PHONE FUNCTIONS-
Google Voice:
One number to rule them all. Google Voice gives you one phone number that will ring all your phones. It also stores text messages online and transcribes voicemails to text as well. Many more features lie within this great program, I use it often. Great for when you move as well, allows you to change your number to any local area code whilst keeping your old phone number as well.
Goog 411:
A free 411 service for finding businesses.
Google SYNC:
Keep your phone and computer synched with this handy gadget. If you change a contact, calendar event, etc… on your phone or computer… you can ensure the two stay synced up.
There are many many more features I did not name, such as Blogger, YouTube, Videos, BlogSearch, News, Maps, and many many more. All in all, Google has transformed revolutionized the way we use the web.
