Want to learn how to become a better searcher? Take Google’s free online course for power searching!
Stephen is a freelance writer and blogger based in Charlotte, NC. His contributions to ZDNet cover topics related to security, gaming, Microsoft, Apple, and other topics of interest with a tech/SMB skew.
While many folks spend their time waiting for Google to make search results more relevant to them with the least amount of information provided, Google has taken it upon themselves to showcase many of their advanced search capabilities via a 5-hour online course titled, “Power Searching with Google.” Those who signed up early enough and completed the course were given a certificate, but no matter, because Google has put all six 50-minute-long courses online for all to freely enjoy.
Here’s the course introduction video, so you can get a feel for the primary instructor, how the courses are broken down, and the overall subject matter:
Personally, I’m quite happy to see Google doing this. While I think search should be as simple as possible, there’s a certain satisfaction I’ve enjoyed for 10+ years now with everything that I’ve been able to find as a power searcher. Over the years, I’ve grown increasingly paranoid of Google limiting advanced search functionality, what with so much emphasis being placed on simplifying search, but this course goes to show that advanced search is going nowhere (everyone, rejoice!).
If you decide to delve into Google’s power searching course and you find that you’re enamored with the search techniques therein, then you may want to take those skills to the next level. Accordingly, I HIGHLY recommend “Google Hacking for Penetration Testers: Volume 2.” That book has been my Bible for countless years, and the knowledge you stand to gain from it is as valuable today as it was when it was first written years ago.
Lastly, you might want to take a look at all the advanced search articles I’ve written here on ZDNet (included at the bottom of this article). It’s no secret that I am absolutely in love with search, and just about anything I can do to instill that in others, I will! Now, if only I could somehow get the fine folks at Bing to do a similar course as this one of Google’s…
What are your thoughts on Google’s power searching course? Are you interested in becoming a better searcher, or do you think Google should just continue focusing on simplifying search for the masses? Let us hear from you in the comments below!
Recommended Reading:
10 Google Search Secrets
How to Become a Search Ninja: Harnessing the True Power of Google – Part 1
Search ninja part 2: How to find older versions of software (and much more)
Search ninja part 3: How to find unlisted YouTube videos with Google
Search ninja part 4: How to search FTPs with Google
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