Google Pocket Guide [Paperback]

I knew there was more to Google than what I was probably using. I've seen the Google groups area, I've used the image area, and of course I've done web searches. But I didn't realize the power of the search syntax they use on the site. I didn't know that you can restrict searches to document types, include/exclude sites or domains, include/exclude based on posted/updated date, decide whether you want the search term in the title, the entire page, or as part of an anchor link. I didn't realize you could modify the URL on the fly to refine your search without going back to the search page each time. I didn't know anything about Froogle. And I definitely didn't know you could change your interface page to a variety of languages, including Klingon and pig Latin!

In a very concise, readable manner, the authors show you all you need to know to get started with the creation of much more powerful searches than you've had in the past. And they repeatedly emphasize that learning how to use Google is best done by experimentation. After reading this book (and it won't take you that long), you'll never view web searches in quite the same way again.

Conclusion
I used to say that if you give me five minutes, I can find what I'm looking for on the web. After reading this book, I may have to revise that to three minutes. If you get a chance to get this book, do so!

O'Reilly's Google Pocket Guide, by Tara Calishain, Rael Dornfest, and
DJ Adams, should be required reading for not only learning the capabilities of Google, but for getting the most out of your searches as well. They say we only use 10% of our brains (don't quote me on that, but just go with it). I guarantee the majority of Google users tap into less than 10% of the search engine's voluminous capabilities.

The Google Pocket Guide is 129 pages broken down into four main sections complete with an appendix and Syntax Summary (very useful). Part 1 explains exactly what Google is and isn't. It also provides a concise overview of how to improve your Google search results. Part 2 called "Asking for What You Want," should be considered Google 101. Here you will find the essentials such as Phrase Searches, Basic Boolean, and putting the wild cards to work for you. The Google "Advanced Search" is demystified as well. You will also find special syntax searches and how to mix them to create powerful possibilities in your investigative quests. Part 3 is all about making Google work for you and understanding the results you requested. This includes not only setting preferences, but how to interpret the results of your Google search. Additional coverage is provided in the "Anatomy of a Search Result" and how Google guides your questionable spellings to assist you. Part 4 for many will be like opening up a whole new world of Google services that will absolutely amaze you! I'm not going to give the store away, but I will tell you this-you will become a much smarter and more resourceful individual after reading this section.

As a person that lives and dies by the Internet, I can tell you the Google Pocket Guide is the best ... investment you can make to grow your web experience. Resist your fast food drive-through lunch and go to the bookstore with your [$$]instead...nourishing your mind is a much better alternative!

The book goes over searching the web including the advanced search page and the advanced search operators (or special syntax) that Google provides. How operators can be combined to improve your search and what combinations to avoid is discussed. The ten-word limit on search terms and how to get around it is also presented. How to interpret the results you get, how to tweak the URLs you receive back to improve results, and when and why you should (or shouldn't) pay attention to Google's spelling suggestions make up the third section.

Part IV presents the other services and tools that Google provides beyond web searching, suggestions on how to use these tools effectively, and the advanced operators available. The last section of the book provides a quick syntax summary and an overview of Julian dates.

The discussions of Julian dates and the daterange: operator are good examples of the value the Google Pocket Guide provides. The book talks about how Google uses Julian dates for date restricted web searching. OK, you could find this out on Google's site if you know where to look. But there is more! The book also mentions that the Julian date associated with a page is when Google indexed the page not when it was made available to the web - a subtle but important distinction.

Overall I found this book an informative and easy read. My only concern is how current the information will remain since, as the authors point out, Google has been adding capabilities slowly over time. However, this concern is greatly outweighed by having the information available. This book is a good, quick reference to Google. Add it to your utility belt!