Cool Things You Can Do With Google Search

Or, how to have fun with Google Search

Google is the most popular search engine for a reason. It returns incredibly relevant and useful results. Millions of people use it every day to do research or find entertainment or information. The Google brand is like the behemoth of the Internet. “Google” represents user-friendly computing and innovation. Beyond searching, Google has become a way of meeting all your computing needs. There is Google Documents, Reader, Sites, Photos, Shopping, Offers, Earth, Checkout, Chromebook, Notebook, etc. etc. etc. Google is one of the most powerful companies in the world.

 

But if you try to ignore everything that Google has become and get back to the basic search engine, you will find that it may surprise you. There are lots of things to learn and love about Google’s search engine. Did you know that only 1 percent of searches click the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button? It’s kept for nostalgia more than function. Ever wonder about all the cool Google logos? They’re called Google Doodles, and the first one was created in 1998 to commemorate the Burning Man Festival.

 

And when you’re searching, Google will do a lot more than just give you great results. Some things are very entertaining, and some are just plain useful. Here are some of the cool things you can do with Google.com.

 

 

Do a barrel roll

Go ahead, type it into the search box. This is what programmers call an “Easter egg.” It is just a little coding prank. There are tons of Easter eggs on Google.

 

Answer to life, the universe and everything

Search this and Google will tell you the answer is 42. Simple, huh? It references Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series.

 

Anagram

Search for “anagram” and Google will smartly ask you, “Did you mean nag a ram?”

 

Recursion

If you search for “recursion,” Google will ask you, “Did you mean recursion?” No, no you’d make a typo. In case you don’t know, recursion means repeating in a self-similar way, and a popular mathematical or programming joke.

 

Tilt or Askew

Searching either one of these terms will tilt your search results to the right.

 

Calculator

Did you know you could use Google search as a calculator? Just type in any math problem, and Google will give you the answer. You can input words (e.g. “ten times ten”), or use symbols (“10 x 10” or “10 * 10”).

 

Unit Conversion

Type in any unit of measurement (e.g. pounds, feet, degrees Fahrenheit, etc.) and the unit you want it converted to, and Google will do the math for you. For example, you can type “10 gallons to cups” or “32 degrees Celsius in Kelvin,” and instantly get an answer.

 

Weather

If you want to see the current weather or the weekly forecast, just type in “weather” followed by a zip code or city, like “weather 90210” or “weather New York City.”

 

Definitions

Type “define:” followed by the word you’re looking for, and Google will give you the definition.

 

Time

If you want to know the time in another part of the country or world, just enter “time” followed by the area. For example, “time London.”