Search tips and techniques

• Searching for statistical info?  Remember that pictures are worth a thousand words. Search in Images for the data you're seeking, like growth in chinese population, and then go to the source. You'll probably find a report with more info. Here are a few examples: income distribution, evolution of different household income classes, quadratic equation, molecular structure of gold.
  
  
• Looking for a scientific paper?  Use Image search to find specific scientific formulae (which are usually an image inserted in a scientific paper), and then back into the paper itself. Examples: Boltzmann transport equation, equation of state, nabla operator
  
  
• Want to find an item that matches your taste?  See it, then say it. Search in Images to find, say, a couch that you like, and then go to the source. Search for images using the word or phrase that expresses your style: bohemian couch, classic cars, retro hairstyle, modern faucet. This works especially well when you have only a vague idea of how to describe it.
  
  

• Need to master skills and techniques?  Let others show you. For example, use Video search to learn how to play ukulele and watercolor painting techniques.
  
  
• See a hat or skirt on someone in a TV show?  Let the world show you the way. Search for the show, say Glee, watch the video, take a screenshot, post it in an online discussion group or social shopping site, and ask for help tracking it down.
  
  

• Looking for a person?  Use what you know. If you can't find the individual on your social networks but know something about the person, use what you do know as the basis for your search: a phone number (202-456-1111), email address, screen name (aplusk), or other unique identifier.
  
  
• Don't know much about the thing you're looking for?  Start at the beginning. When you don't know many words to use that relate to the thing, start with what you know, and then look at the titles and captions in the results to get more ideas for further searches.
  
  
• Can't (or don't want to) look it up in a manual?  Ask the world. To surface answers in forums and discussion groups, put your search in the form of a question: how do I fix my ipod when it freezes when I plug it into my computer?
  
  
• Shopping online?  Read the reviews, and then use a coupon: In your search add "reviews" after the product name (Nikon D90 reviews). When you've decided on your purchase, add "coupon" after the product name (Canon DC10 coupon) or the store you're going to buy it from (Newegg coupon).
  
  
• Lost on your way to lunch?  Search hands-free! Go to the Bing app on your cell phone, and say the name of the restaurant using the voice input control. You'll get a map and directions.
  
  

• Going on a big hunt for info?  Take the systematic approach: build an outline of what you're searching for before you start, list topics, and check them off or refine the list as you go along. Or just copy your results in a Word doc as a way of collecting them before you evaluate them, and then delete those that aren't useful.
  
  
• Hitting a dead end?  Make use of others' research: go to Wikipedia for an overview, and review the notes and references at the end.
  
  

Want to share your own tip or technique? Rate this topic, tell us what you think of it, and add your technique in your comments. We might add it to the list.