Is there interest in Google?

Culture | December 21st, 2016

Last month there were 1.6 billion unique monthly visitors to the Google web site. Most of us geeks use Google many times a day. Anyone with a computer uses the site. It is the most popular site on the planet.

So what is this site all about? I can't tell you everything. My editor only gives me so much space. Here are a few things you might like:

Searching - If you need a part for your dishwasher and you have the part number, type it into the Google search bar.

Doing some research? - Collect citations using Google Scholar. Scholar is designed specifically for researching academic literature and journals and includes a number of simple features that come together to create a powerful solution that will save you loads of time.

Need more space? - Google Drive allows you to upload your files to the cloud for free. This is a good place to store files but make sure back them up somewhere else as well. Say for instance, an external drive. We have talked about this before. Google drive also allows you to share files with someone else and you can run it from your desktop!

Google Calendars - Most of us keep calendars but Google allows you to share your calendar with anyone.

Stock Market - Google Finance has many tools for keeping track of your portfolio and they are all free!

Admin Work - Spreadsheets, documents? Plenty of Google tools for that sort of thing.

Are you a Stargazer? - Try Google sky maps. And you thought Google maps were only on the planet.

Hangout - A great way to communicate with family and friends. You can set up a text chat or a video chat or even a multi-user conference. There is also an app for your mobile device.

Chromecast - Chromecast is a media streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV. Simply use your mobile device and the TV you already own to stream your favorite TV shows, movies, music, sports, games and more.

Chromecast works with iPhone®, iPad®, Android phone and tablet, Mac® and Windows® laptop, and Chromebook. Right now the Chromecast hardware is $25 at your nearest Walmart. You can stream online movies, TV shows, music and much more to your TV. A good deal for $25.

Google Play Books - Although eBooks are best suited to mobile devices that you can carry around with you at all times, Google's desktop book service can be a real asset if you just want to sit in front of your computer and read.

Well, I managed to cover a small amount of Google's capabilities. Check out the site yourself. I am sure you can find something you can use.

Have a good holiday and I will try to entertain you with new tech stuff in the new year.