Here are some Google features that you may not be aware of. All examples are typed into the Google search box. You do not need to type the quotes, just type what's inside the quotes.

1. Package tracking: Type a tracking number for any major shipper to get details.

2. Airline flight status: Type name of airline & flight number to check on a plane's status.

3. Weather: Type in "weather" and any city and state for an illustrated summary.

4. Movie Reviews: Type "Movie: Spartacus" to see reviews of the specified movie, plus other movies that reference the specified movie.

5. Currency Conversions: Type "$500 USD in euros" or any 2 currencies.

6. Phone Book: Type full name and address of a person or business to get a phone number.

7. Calculator: Type in any math problem for a quick answer.

8. Dictionary: Type "define: byte" to get a whole series of definitions of the word, plus links to other sites for more detail.

9. Maps: Type in an address to get a map of that location.

10. Hotels: Type "hotels near LAX" to get a map showing locations and contact info for hotels near LA airport.

11. Shopping Catalog: Click on "Froogle", then enter "bmw near san francisco", and get a lit of places near San Francisco that item is available, along with map showing locations, and prices.

Search tips:

1. Type Answers, not Questions: If you want to find the distance between LA and SF, type "The distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco is"; don't type "What is the distance between Los Angeles and San Francisco?" This is because Google looks for web pages containing the exact phrase you typed, and a web page is unlikely to have the information you want phrased as a question.

2. Use Quotation marks: Put your input between quotes to trim the number of results way down.

3. Download Google toolbar: Rather than visit Google's web site for every search, download the Google toolbar, and it's always ready. It also blocks popups for you.

4. Image Search: Click "Image" instead of "Web" when you search to get thumbnail versions of the pictures. Don't forget to go to the full size image for best image quality & CITE your source!

These are just a few of the many features available through Google. Click on the MORE link above the Google search box to see lots of other stuff, including the Google Earth viewer, a free download that lets you zoom in from outer space to any location on earth. You'll be able to recognize details, such as houses and cars.