7 things you didn’t know Google Search could do until now
Google is way more powerful than most people realize. Regular searches are helpful, but they don’t even scratch the surface of Google’s abilities. Sometimes, your basic search inquiries may not be enough, or you need a tip to get the best results.
Fair warning: You can’t mention Google without also mentioning tracking. Fortunately, a slew of sites and services compete with Google and don’t track you. Tap or click here for Google alternatives for Gmail, YouTube, and Chrome.
But if you’d like to distance yourself from Google Search itself, tap or click here for search sites that don’t track you.
That said, there is a range of cool Google tricks you can use to narrow your results even further. It’s high time you learned what your search bar could do.
1. Get more options on your Google search results page
With rare exceptions, Google will spit up thousands of links for any search. This is great, in theory, but most relevant information shows up on the first couple of pages. So what happens if you don’t find what you’re looking for in the first few seconds? You get annoyed, and you wonder what the issue is – bad search, or Google being weird?
One way to mitigate this feeling is to expand the number of results on the first page, so you don’t have to click through as many individual pages to find what you’re looking for.
Simply click Settings underneath the right-hand side of the search bar on your results page, and you’re taken to a page where you can adjust the number of results you see. Move the slider in the direction you want, but note that the more results you select per page, the slower Google will appear to run.
2. Search verbatim for more refined results
Sometimes Google doesn’t exactly “get it” when it comes to your search terms. The search engine tends to rely on context, after all. If you want more literal search results, all you’ll need to do is activate Verbatim searches.
This means all search results must have your search terms included exactly as they appear. To activate Verbatim searches, click Tools on your results page, then hover over All results and click to select the Verbatim option. Alternatively, you can also type your search terms in quotation marks for the same effect (“like this”).
3. Remove old searches from your search history
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The truth is, the internet was never really designed for children. Yes, it’s exciting to connect everyone in the world, to celebrate freedom of speech and commerce. The internet provides platforms for unfettered expression, accessible almost anywhere in the world.
3 reasons robocalls won't stop (and 5 things to do about them)
Just a couple of months ago, I shared with you seven ways to stop robocalls. It’s a hot topic that I monitor regularly. It’s like being a spectator at a sporting event.
On one side are people behind these annoying telemarketing calls who continue to outsmart people on the other side — government agencies, cellular carriers, technology companies, and you and me.
Google offers cheap cellular service? Here are the facts about Google Fi
Go ahead and name some big companies offering cellular service. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint probably came to mind. Now, you can add Google to that list.
Google recently announced that Fi SIM cards would be available for purchase in more than 500 Best Buy stores across the country.
Cheap background checks, heart-rate monitoring, antivirus software for Mac, and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital. Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about cheap background checks, antivirus software for Macs, heart-rate tracking and more.
Beat the April 15th deadline, best tax software for 2019
With all the horrors surrounding tax season like scammers trying to steal your information, it is always nice to hear some good news regarding taxes. That’s exactly what I’m bringing you today. Of course taxes are not fun, but these software options can make a sometimes-painful activity and turn it into something simple and easy.
What's in, what's out: Komando Shop closing, Community coming
Yep, I’m closing the Komando Shop. After 10 years of connecting you with gadgets, technology and fun stuff through my online store, we’re shifting focus. We’re shuttering our online storefront, and in its place, we’re building an online social community and a virtual academy that I can’t wait to tell you about. More on those in a minute.
15 amazing Google tricks you never knew before now
Did you know the world’s most powerful search engine can do more than just find things? Yes, Google’s full G-Suite is a game-changer, and many of us have uploaded our entire digital existence to Drive; but most users don’t even realize how much power they have with a simple browser, thanks to Google’s many features and tricks.
10 clever tricks every iPhone user will wish they knew sooner
Remember: An iPhone is basically just a computer that fits in your pocket – and in many ways, it’s even better than a computer. The iPhone camera is better than many point-and-shoot cameras. Your iPhone may even be able to store more data than a cheap desktop, and the apps are comparable to those on any device on the market. It’s so powerful that there are sure to be features that you don’t even know about.
3 ways to keep your Amazon gifts under wraps
As Christmas approaches, we are starting to get those gifts we purchased online for our friends and family. But, sometimes it can be difficult to make sure we keep those presents secret so that on the big day we can see the surprise and joy on their faces. That’s why I have three tips for you that will make sure you keep those presents under wraps this year.
Best streaming boxes for getting the shows and movies you want
Limitless content. Watch whatever you want, whenever you want. All you have to buy is one little box, and the monthly subscriptions are up to you. After decades of flipping through TV channels, many of us find the promise of internet-based television too miraculous to pass up.
Don’t get ripped off, check your internet speed
Many internet service providers make claims about how fast their internet speed is, and that can be really important when it comes to how we use it. Many times you will be streaming or trying to connect a new device and it will get extremely slow or sometimes not work at all. But that’s why I have a solution for you. There are free online programs you can use to check your internet speed and make sure your ISP is being truthful about their speed claims.
9 great Amazon Prime perks you didn’t know about until now
Amazon Prime is a rare bird. Most of us sign up for things, and we find a hidden fee. A service fails to live up to expectations. With Amazon Prime, it’s the opposite: We get so many perks, we don’t bother to keep track of them.
6 pro Alexa skills you’ll use every day
Alexa is no longer “new.” The smart-tech revolution is now in full swing, and Amazon Echo is at the heart of it. According to Edison Research, nearly 40 million people own voice-activated speakers, which is about 1 in 6 U.S. adults. Now it’s time to see what Alexa can really do. Most users know how to select songs and search the internet for information. These skills are handy, but they’re only the tip of the digital iceberg.
Catch a cheater, bank safely, switch your cell service, and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital. Choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about how to switch to a cheaper cell carrier, why banking apps have become so versatile, how to prevent targeted ads from following you around the internet, how to catch a cheating spouse and more.
How to beat Google’s personalized ads
Google Ads make people nervous. The personalized ads follow you around the internet, pummeling you with images and links that reflect your recent activities and searches. Nowhere else does Google make its intimate knowledge so blatant, and you may find the effect unsettling. Luckily, you have much control over those ads.
New! Join the Komando Ambassador Program today!
You know Kim Komando is the go-to expert for advice on everything digital. From the best computer to the latest smartphones to how to protect yourself online, Kim’s got the answers on her weekly radio show that reaches 6.5 million listeners.
Don’t fall for the latest fake check scams
Check fraud has been on the rise lately, perhaps because this antiquated monetary system isn’t as popular as it used to be, and recipients are less defensive than they used to be. Checks take longer to clear than cards and wire transfers, so victims often take more time to realize anything is wrong. But don’t fall for these scams.
8 clever ways that tech can reveal a cheating spouse
Let me be clear: The best thing you can do is have a frank and honest conversation with your spouse about your marriage. Couples therapy can work wonders. However, if your relationship wasn’t healthy to begin with, or you need something tangible before starting divorce proceedings, these are basic methods for busting a cheater.
Smart home upgrades, streaming services, office alternatives, and more - Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products and all things digital. Sometimes choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about affordable smart home upgrades, streaming services other than Netflix, what Microsoft Office alternatives there are, and more.