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Favorite Hidden Google Features?

Posted by Cliff on from the have-fun-with-it dept.

fredtheshingle asks: "Google now seems to allow you the option to track your FedEx and UPS shipments! Search using the tracking number for either carrier and a page that offers to track the package appears. Simply follow that link and the carrier's current status report is displayed. Nice! So what's your favorite hidden Google feature?"

11 of 267 comments (clear)

  1. The Standards by amcnabb · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm not sure if I know of any that aren't pretty much common knowledge. Anyway, it's fun to search for "answer to life the universe and everything". I also like the calculator function: just enter "2 + 2". The ability to search for "definition any-word-you-want" is nice, too.

    But of course, the best hidden feature is the ability to search for "litigious b******s" and to have the most relevant link appear first. In fact, you can leave off the word "litigious" and it still works, now that so many people have put links with that phrase on their web pages.

  2. Fave "hidden" feature by redfiveneo · · Score: 5, Funny

    Let's just say Google images. ...with SafeSearch off. ;)

  3. Google Calculator by Lendrick · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not only does it do math, it's also got a bunch of constants built in, and it can convert units on the fly, even to some more esoteric ones. Try entering the following searches

    gravitational constant
    speed of light in cubits per fortnight
    mass of jupiter in stones
    radius of earth * 2 * pi in light years

    It's enough to keep a science nerd occupied for hours. :)

    1. Re:Google Calculator by Undefined+Parameter · · Score: 5, Funny

      It's still missing a few things; for instance, it won't tell me the speed of an unladen swallow in knots.

      But I do like the speed of light in cubits per fortnight. The history geek in me is still laughing. :)

      ~UP

      --
      Eat the Path.
    2. Re:Google Calculator by BrokenHalo · · Score: 5, Funny

      That's because you need a separate unit for African and European Swallows... :-)

  4. bork bork bork! by sdibb · · Score: 5, Funny

    Seerch zee Veb

  5. Regular Expressions by Michael.Forman · · Score: 5, Funny


    My favorite feature is the ability to search for items using regular expressions. Just type the string "site:/^[cs].*?edu$/" and BAM! You get jack squat.

    Some day our Linux search engine heros will grace us with regular expressions.

    Open Source Industrial Music.
    Michael.

    --
    Linux : Mac :: VW : Mercedes
  6. Re:Have you seen by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    britney6 spears

    I bet this person was typing with one hand. :)

  7. OT: My favorite quote about regular expressions by Big+Sean+O · · Score: 5, Funny

    Some people, when confronted with a problem, think "I know, I'll use regular expressions." Now they have two problems.

    --Jamie Zawinski, in comp.lang.emacs

    --
    My father is a blogger.
  8. Re:Calculator and spell checker by sbennett · · Score: 5, Funny

    And the ever popular Question

    How about this one?

  9. Re:Calculator and spell checker by rolocroz · · Score: 5, Funny

    The page is Slashdotted - here's a Google cache..

    --

    I meta-mod all positive moderation Unfair, because it's abuse of the system.