Searching Tip of the Week Archive

Educational Institutions: Limiting Google search results to educational institutions
Excel Spreadsheets: Limiting Google search results to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
Excluding words from a Google search results list
Numeric Range: Using Google to find a numeric range
Particular Term in the URL (Web Address): Limiting Google results to items with a particular term in the URL
PowerPoint Presentations: Limiting Google search results to Microsoft PowerPoint presentations
Synonyms: Using Google to find synonyms
U.S. Government Organizations: Limiting Google search results to U.S. government organizations

Educational Institutions: Limiting Google search results to educational institutions
1. Go to http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en.
2. In the box labeled, "[Only] return results from the site or domain," type edu.
Example: In addition to following the directions above, type distance education in the box labeled, "with the exact phrase."
Results: Items from educational institutions containing the phrase, "distance education."
NOTE: ".edu" does NOT guarantee high-quality content. More info: Evaluating Internet Resources

Excel Spreadsheets: Limiting Google search results to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets

1. Go to http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en.

2. In the box labeled, "[Only] return results of the file format," change "any format" to Microsoft Excel (.xls).

Example: In addition to following the directions above:

1. Type expenses in the box labeled, "with all of the words."

2. In the box labeled, "[Only] return results from the site or domain," type gov.

Results: Microsoft Excel spreadsheets from United States government organizations containing the word, "expenses."

Excluding words from a Google search results list

1. Go to http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en.

2. In the box labeled, "without the words," type the terms you do not want to see in the results list.

Example:

1. In the box labeled, "with all of the words," type tony soprano.

2. Type leading actress in a musical in the box labeled, "exact phrase."

3. Type TV in the box labeled, "without the words."

Results: Items containing the words, "tony" and "soprano," and the phrase, "leading actress in a musical," but without the word, "TV."

back to top

Numeric Range: Using Google to find a numeric range

1. Go to http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en.

2. In the boxes labeled, "Return web pages containing numbers between ______ and ______," type two numbers.

Example:

1. Type btu air conditioner in the box labeled, "with the exact phrase."

2. In the "Return web pages containing numbers between" boxes, type 5000 and 10000.

Results: Items containing numbers between 5000 and 10000 containing the phrase, "btu air conditioner."

Particular Term in the URL (Web Address): Limiting Google results to items with a particular term in the URL

1. Go to http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en.

2. In the box labeled, "with all of the words," type inurl:

3. Without leaving a space, type your search term.

Example: In addition to following the directions above:

1. Type help immediately after inurl:

2. In the box labeled, "with the exact phrase," type buying textbooks.

Results: Items containing "help" in the web address and the phrase, "buying textbooks."

PowerPoint: Limiting Google search results to Microsoft PowerPoint presentations

1. Go to http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en.

2. In the box labeled, "[Only] return results of the file format," change "any format" to Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt).

Example: In addition to following the directions above, type Milky Way Galaxy in the box labeled, "with the exact phrase."

Results: PowerPoint presentations containing the phrase, "Milky Way Galaxy."

back to top

Synonyms: Using Google to find synonyms

1. Go to http://www.google.com/.

2. Type ~ immediately before your search term.

Example: Type diskette ~help

Results: Items containing the word, "diskette," plus the word, "help" or a synonym for "help," such as "support," "FAQ," "manual," "guide," "tutorial," "troubleshooting," "tips," etc.

U.S. Government Organizations: Limiting Google search results to U.S. government organizations

1. Go to http://www.google.com/advanced_search?hl=en.

2. In the box labeled, "[Only] return results from the site or domain," type gov.

Example: In addition to following the directions above, type cell phones in the box labeled, "with the exact phrase."

Results: Items from United States government organizations containing the phrase, "cell phones."

back to top