Search Google or Type a URL? Better choice, Fast results!

How would a day without the internet feel? Perhaps exploring a world with missing road signs? Or maybe stepping back in time, with the usual flow of information, communication, and convenience coming to a standstill! Needless to say, it’s now the backbone of our world, holding everything together. And right at the heart of this internet universe is our default search engine – Google. After all, “Just Google it” has become our instant solution to unraveling the mysteries of the world.

But do you often find yourself stuck with some common aspects of Googling? Like understanding how “Search Google” differs from “Type A URL”? Keep scrolling to learn more about which option is best, why and when.

Understanding “Search Google or Type A URL”

Understanding how to use the search engine and type in URLs empowers you to explore new topics or visit websites on the internet with ease. You ask a question, and it shows you the best answers from the vast web. This skill significantly contributes to the search algorithm, or SEO (Search Engine Optimization). If you already know the website you want to visit, you can skip Google and directly type web address.

Using the Omnibox (Google Chrome Address bar)

The Omnibox is a feature that merges the capabilities of a search bar and the address window into one. It enhances the search process and gets around the web. You can use the Omnibox effectively:

1. Search Engine Queries:
   • Simply type your query directly into the Omnibox. Press “Enter”, and your browser will generate relevant search lists.
   • You can also use specific words to improve your keyword search.
2. Direct Website Access:
   • Type its URL into the Omnibox (e.g., www.tecxology.com) and press the enter key. The browser will take you directly to the specified website.
   • You can omit “http://” or “https://” in modern browsers; the Omnibox understands and completes the URL for you.
3. Auto-Complete and Suggestions:
   • The Omnibox provides auto-complete suggestions as you type, based on your browsing history and top searches.
4. Quick Access:
   • The Omnibox can also be used for quick actions, such as unit conversions, calculations, and weather forecasts. Enter a value or question, and the browser will provide a quick answer.
     
5. Tab Switching:
   • Switching tabs is a breeze! If you’ve got a bunch open, just type a few letters of the website’s name in the Omnibox, and hit “Tab” to hop between them effortlessly.
     
6. Solving Math Problems & Converting Currencies
   • The Omnibox can perform mathematical calculations and convert currencies. So, you can easily solve math problems and handle currency-related queries.
     

Also Read: How to debloat Windows 11 From Junk Apps (Best Method)

Searching for a Specific Word or Phrase in Google

It is easy to search on Google, we know, but a few tips can help you be a pro at it!

1. Use Quotation Marks:
   • To find an exact phrase, put it in quotation marks. Like, when looking for information on “climate change”, put the words or phrase in quotes for more accurate results.
     
2. Exclude Words:
   • Add a minus sign before words you’d rather not see in your search results. For instance, if you want information about the company Apple but not the fruit, you can search for “apple -fruit.”
     
3. Search in Specific Websites:
   • If you want results from a particular website, use “site:” followed by the exact address. For example, “site:wikipedia.org space exploration” will give you space exploration information only from Wikipedia.
     
4. The Unknown Words:
   • If you’re unsure about a word, use a star (*) as a stand-in or placeholder. For instance, “life * on Mars” will show various possibilities for the missing word.
     
5. Definitions:
   • To get a word’s definition, type “define” followed by the word. Like, when you type “define divinity”, it will tell you what “divinity” really means.
     
6. Similar Words:
   • If you want words similar to a specific term, use the “~” symbol before the word. For example, “~healthy recipes” will give you a range of websites related to healthy recipes and similar terms.

Keep your search words clear and short for better results. 

Also Read: Characteristics of IoT (Internet of Things)

Searching a Website on Google

Finding specific information within a website using Google is a quick way to get what you need.

1. Using Site Operator: If you want to find something on a particular website, use “site:” followed by the website’s address. Like, if you want info about space on NASA’s site, just type “site:nasa.gov space exploration” in the Google search box.
2. Entering Relevant Keywords: After using “site:”, add the words that relate to what you’re looking for on that specific website.
3. Search and Explore: Hit the “Enter” search button. Google will show you the list of websites related.
4. Reviewing Search Results: Look through the results to find the most relevant page on the website. Google often gives a short preview of the content, helping you decide which link to click.

Using Google Autocomplete Predictions

This autocomplete feature makes searching on Google faster and more convenient. Using these search suggestions makes searching faster and easier. As you start typing in the search bar, Google suggests ideas based on what people commonly search for. This helps you find information quickly without having to type the whole query yourself. It’s super useful when you’re not sure about the exact words.

1. Start Typing in the Search Box:

• Begin typing your search query. As you type, Google will automatically suggest possible searches based on popular and relevant phrases.

2. Select from Suggestions:

• While typing, look at the dropdown list of suggestions that appears below the search bar. These are predictions based on what other people commonly search for.

3. Choose a Relevant Prediction:

• If you see a suggestion that matches what you’re looking for, select it. This helps save time and ensures that your query aligns with popular or commonly sought-after information.

4. Explore Related Topics:

• Google may also offer additional suggestions related to your initial search. You can explore these related topics by clicking on them if you want to refine or broaden your search.

5. Review Results:

• After selecting a prediction, press “Enter” or click on the magnifying glass icon to view the search results. Google will show web pages, images, and other relevant information.

Also Read: Add Me To Search, Add Yourself to Google Search & Google’s People Card

Using Voice Search

Ever tried talking to your device to find stuff online? Voice search lets you ask questions or explore topics by just speaking to your device’s microphone. It’s handy when you can’t type while driving, cooking, or doing a bunch of things at once.

1. Activate Voice Assistant:

• On your device, open the Google app or your preferred search engine.
• Look for the microphone icon in the search box and tap it to activate the voice search process.

2. Speak Your Query:

• Once the voice search is activated, speak clearly and directly into your device’s microphone. You can ask a question or say out a topic you want to learn more about.

3. Wait for Results:

• After speaking your query, the voice assistant processes your voice input and provides search lists related to your question.

4. Review and Interact:

• Look at the search results presented on your device’s screen. You may see web pages, images, or other relevant information based on your voice query.
• If needed, you can interact further with the results by tapping on links or asking follow-up questions.

5. Enjoy Hands-Free Convenience:

• One of the main advantages of voice search is its hands-free nature. It’s particularly useful when you’re driving, cooking, or in situations where typing is not convenient.

Search Option or Type a URL Feature in Other Popular Search Engines

Final Thoughts

Getting the hang of using Google gives you the skills and freedom to effortlessly move through the world of the internet. Whether you’re looking for information, directly visiting websites, or using features like the Omnibox and autocomplete predictions, these skills are crucial for a smooth online experience. So, as you continue your online exploration, remember these tips, and may your travels across the web be characterized by effortless searches and quick discoveries.

FAQs