Google: The Missing Manual, 2nd Edition

Chapter 3. Googling Further: Images, News, Maps, and More

Normally, when you run a Google search, you’re asking Google to look for your search terms on any Web page it’s tracked. But the Web can be sliced in many ways, and Google has created a bunch of alternative systems for helping you find things.

For example, when you want to find a picture of somebody, you could type in his or her name followed by a few file types used for images, like "Mick Jagger” jpeg gif, and hope for the best. Problem is, Google gives you any site that mentions Mr. Jagger and that has JPEG or GIF files—but not necessarily pictures of the thick-lipped star. You could be drowning in photos of Keith Richards for days before you get any search satisfaction. Better to use Google Images, a special search that finds only pictures.

But the fun doesn’t end with images. Google News lets you search for and organize news stories. Google Maps helps you find addresses, directions, and businesses all over the country. The Google Directory gives you a way to find information by category rather than keyword. And Google Print lets you search inside books.

This chapter explains all these features, and the following two chapters cover a few other Google goodies: Groups, Answers, Froogle, and Catalogs. Figure 3-1 shows you where to find all of these services.

Knowing how to use Google’s alternative searches can help you tap amazing resources most people overlook.

Figure 3-1. You can reach Google’s alternative search services several ...