Google Pocket Guide is a small 129-page compendium on Google. Early on the book explains: “If you can combine a little bit of knowledge about what you’re looking for with a good grasp of what Google has to offer, then you’re on your way to great search experiences…” The rest of the book is dedicated to giving you a little bit of knowledge and explaining everything that Google has to offer and how to access it.
This book can be used by anyone. If you are complete neophyte, you will appreciate the book’s simple explanation of what Google is and what it does. Everyone will like the fact that the explanations are often followed with concrete, but easy-to-understand examples. The book has a solid description of the Google syntax and how to use it. If you are simply entering key words in Google and being bombarded with thousands of results, learning to use the Google syntax is an easy way to focus your searches for better results.
Although small, this book is filled with useful information. It shows you how to best use Google’s advanced search feature. It gives the anatomy of search results so that you really understand what Google’s results are telling you. The section on Google’s Services and special features covers some of the less-used, but powerful features of Google, like the Google Directory, Google Image Search, and Google News.
Learn how to tell Google you want to search a residential or business telephone book, how to search for Weblogs, how to use Google for stock information, and how to deal with slang and special terminology. All in all, this book will make your Web searches easier and more fruitful. At $9.95 it is a worthwhile investment.
