A. Here are some suggestions from Google for making Internet searches faster and more effective:
Install the Google toolbar, which puts Google into your
browser full-time. (The toolbar works only in Microsoft’s Explorer
version 5.0 and up; it doesn’t work in Netscape.) Among other things,
Google gives you the option to block pop-up ads. It also can
automatically enter data for fill-in forms that ask for your name,
address and phone number. Download the toolbar at http://toolbar.google.com .
If you have a question, phrase it in the form of an
answer—for example, “ The magazine that provides the best accounting
articles is…. ”
Place quotes around words that must be searched together.
If you’re looking for accounting standards in the JofA , for
example, type “ accounting standards ” “ Journal of Accountancy .”
Place a hyphen in front of a word you want to screen out.
For instance, if you don’t want Google to search in the JofA
, type “ accounting standards ” “ –Journal of Accountancy .”
Since Google is effectively a global phone book, search
for the AICPA’s number in Jersey City, New Jersey, by typing
phonebook:aicpa,jersey city,nj . Names work the same way:
phonebook:donald duck,hollywood,ca.
Other things Google lets you do:
Track a FedEx or UPS package by entering its tracking
identification numbers.
Perform a calculation by typing the equation—for example,
3+2*45= .
Convert units of measurement by typing what you want
converted—for example, centimeters in a foot.
Find a stock price or financial news by typing the
company’s stock symbol.
Get a map of a U.S. city by entering its telephone area
code.
Track the progress of an en route plane and its arrival
time by entering its flight number.
