Increase your productivity with Google Search - Part 1

Google search provides more options than we ever use and this article will help to understand how we can use Google to improve our life and be more productive. You maybe using some of these techniques already, if you want to add more please do so in the comments.

Since this will be a large article with a number of steps, I will write this in parts. I wrote the first one here, how you can find your flight information very quickly without calling the airlines or your travel agency or airports.

Instead of doing all the steps here, try to use Firefox and Google Toolbar, but if you are comfortable with Internet Explorer, then no problems you still have Google Toolbar for Explorer. Because using a Google Toolbar eliminates the need to go to Google Search page (http://google.com) every time.

To get Local times: I use a Firefox extension called FoxClocks to find the local times of major cities, but you can also get it quickly from Google. Just enter “Time in Hong Kong” at the Google Search Box in Google Toolbar or at Google site. Google will give the results the top of the page and show the time in Hong Kong. This way you get the time faster.

To find flight Information: Just type the Flight name and number in the search box, e.g. Qantas 73, it will give you the current status of the flight. Read more about it here.

To use it as a Calculator: With Google search you can convert currency, units and other information. For example you want to find the latest currency rate for a dollar in pounds, then just type “1 Dollar in British Pounds”.

ID People with Image Search: Since almost everyone is dealing internationally either for business or personal reasons, most blogs, social sites are international in nature. Some times we come across names and not sure whether they are male or female. So a simple way to find it is via Google Image search. For example you want to know the name “Sandhya” is male or female. Just go to image search and type “Sandhya” you will see images of Sandhya that will give you an idea whether it is a female or male’s name. I have frequent problems, hopefully this solution will help in the future.

Find Movie Information: Do you want to find quick information about the movies, show times, details, ratings, etc., then you can do a quick Google Search. Type any movie in Google Search and it will provide search results tailored to your local area. For example if you type National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Hope you find these tips useful, I will add more tips in the coming days. With Google Search you eliminate an additional step or link. If you use Google Toolbar, then you can eliminate two steps, one going to Google Search and then going to another link.