Google Power Tools Bible

743 Pages·2007·15.511 MB·English

by  Ted Coombs, Roderico DeLeon

GGooooggllee PPoowweerr TToooollss BBiibbllee
bbyyTTeedd CCoooommbbssaannddRRooddeerriiccoo DDeeLLeeoonn
JJoohhnn WWiilleeyy && SSoonnss 22000077 ((661144 ppaaggeess))
IISSBBNN::99778800447700009977112200
WWiitthh tthhoorroouugghh ccoovveerraaggee,, sstteepp--bbyy--sstteepp iinnssttrruuccttiioonnss,, aanndd ttoonnss ooff ttiippss aanndd wwoorrkkaarroouunnddss,, tthhiiss ccoommpprreehheennssiivvee
gguuiiddee sshhoowwss hhooww ttoo aacccceessss aanndd aappppllyy GGooooggllee''ss ffeeaattuurreess,, hhooww ttoo pprrooggrraamm GGooooggllee,, bbeeccoommee aa FFrrooooggllee
mmeerrcchhaanntt,, aanndd mmoorree..
TTaabbllee ooff CCoonntteennttss
GGooooggllee PPoowweerr TToooollss BBiibbllee
PPrreeffaaccee
IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn
PPaarrtt II -- NNaavviiggaattiinngg GGooooggllee IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn
CChhaapptteerr 11 -- SSeeaarrcchhiinngg tthhee WWeebb
CChhaapptteerr 22 -- FFooccuussiinngg YYoouurr WWeebb SSeeaarrcchh
CChhaapptteerr 33 -- TTooppiicc SSeeaarrcchhiinngg
CChhaapptteerr 44 -- DDiissccoovveerriinngg IImmaaggeess oonn tthhee WWeebb
CChhaapptteerr 55 -- HHuunnttiinngg ffoorr VViiddeeooss
CChhaapptteerr 66 -- SSeeaarrcchhiinngg TThhrroouugghh BBooookkss
CChhaapptteerr 77 -- SSeeaarrcchhiinngg GGooooggllee CCaattaallooggss
CChhaapptteerr 88 -- SShhooppppiinngg aass aa SSppoorrtt
CChhaapptteerr 99 -- MMaakkiinngg UUssee ooff DDiirreeccttoorriieess
CChhaapptteerr 1100 -- KKeeeeppiinngg iinn TToouucchh wwiitthh EE--MMaaiill AAlleerrttss
CChhaapptteerr 1111 -- PPeerrssoonnaalliizziinngg GGooooggllee DDeesskkttoopp
CChhaapptteerr 1122 -- EExxpplloorriinngg GGooooggllee MMaappss
CChhaapptteerr 1133 -- EExxpplloorriinngg tthhee WWoorrlldd wwiitthh GGooooggllee EEaarrtthh
CChhaapptteerr 1144 -- SSttaayyiinngg CCuurrrreenntt wwiitthh GGooooggllee NNeewwss
CChhaapptteerr 1155 -- RReesseeaarrcchhiinngg wwiitthh GGooooggllee SScchhoollaarr
CChhaapptteerr 1166 -- MMaannaaggiinngg YYoouurr PPoorrttffoolliioo wwiitthh GGooooggllee FFiinnaannccee
CChhaapptteerr 1177 -- GGooooggllee BBaassee
CChhaapptteerr 1188 -- UUssiinngg GGooooggllee ““OOffffiiccee””
PPaarrtt IIII -- CCoommmmuunniiccaattiinngg GGooooggllee--SSttyyllee
CChhaapptteerr 1199 -- SSttaayyiinngg iinn TToouucchh wwiitthh GGmmaaiill
CChhaapptteerr 2200 -- CChhaattttiinngg wwiitthh GGooooggllee TTaallkk
CChhaapptteerr 2211 -- EEddiittiinngg aanndd SShhaarriinngg PPhhoottooss wwiitthh PPiiccaassaa22
CChhaapptteerr 2222 -- PPaarrttiicciippaattiinngg iinn GGooooggllee GGrroouuppss
CChhaapptteerr 2233 -- CCrreeaattiinngg WWeebb PPaaggeess wwiitthh PPaaggee CCrreeaattoorr
CChhaapptteerr 2244 -- IInnttrroodduucciinngg BBllooggss
CChhaapptteerr 2255 -- CCoommmmuunniiccaattiinngg wwiitthh BBllooggggeerr
CChhaapptteerr 2266 -- OOrrggaanniizziinngg YYoouurr DDaayy wwiitthh GGooooggllee CCaalleennddaarr
PPaarrtt IIIIII -- GGooiinngg MMoobbiillee
CChhaapptteerr 2277 -- FFiinnddiinngg YYoouurr WWaayy wwiitthh GGooooggllee
CChhaapptteerr 2288 -- UUssiinngg GGooooggllee MMoobbiillee
PPaarrtt IIVV -- GGooooggllee--iizziinngg YYoouurr CCoommppuutteerr
CChhaapptteerr 2299 -- MMeessssaaggiinngg wwiitthh GGooooggllee
CChhaapptteerr 3300 -- GGeettttiinngg ttoo KKnnooww tthhee GGooooggllee PPaacckk
CChhaapptteerr 3311 -- MMaannaaggiinngg tthhee GGooooggllee TToooollbbaarr
CChhaapptteerr 3322 -- CCrreeaattiinngg 33--DD MMooddeellss wwiitthh SSkkeettcchhUUpp
CChhaapptteerr 3333 -- UUssiinngg 33--DD MMooddeellss
PPaarrtt VV -- GGooooggllee aanndd tthhee EEnntteerrpprriissee
CChhaapptteerr 3344 -- IInnccrreeaassiinngg WWeebb TTrraaffffiicc wwiitthh AAddWWoorrddss
Chapter 35 - Making Cents with AdSense
Chapter 36 - Making Decisions with Google Analytics
Chapter 37 - Creating a Google Enterprise
Chapter 38 - Introducing Enterprise Hardware
Part VI - Exploring Google Innovation
Chapter 39 - Exploring the Future of Google
Chapter 40 - Graduating from the Product Labs
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Sidebars
Back Cover
The most thorough and comprehensive guide to Google
Expand your world with the dozens of Google tools, applications, and services you'll find in this comprehensive
book. Going well beyond the basics of search, this in-depth resource shows you how to access and apply every
one of Google's features-things like Gmail, Google Maps, and SketchUp-while also explaining how to program
Google, become a Froogle merchant, and much more. With thorough coverage, step-by-step instructions, and
hundreds of tips and workarounds, it's what you need to succeed with Google.
Review the basics of keywords, queries, and PageRank technology
Delve into search features such as the I'm Feeling Lucky button
Find your way with Google Maps and mobile GMaps
Check financial news, get quotes, and manage your portfolio
Import, view, and fix photos with Picasa
Google-ize your computer with Google gadgets and plug-ins
Use Google Analytics to evaluate Web site traffic
Explore Google's future with a sneak peak at R&D
About the Authors
Ted Coombs has written many books on computer programming, networking, and Internet applications, including
Setting Up an Internet Site For Dummies. He works in the area of computer forensics. He also heads the effort of
documenting world history at wikihistory.org. He lives and works in both Hawaii and the Netherlands.
Roderico DeLeon has authored several books on computer technology, networking and Internet applications, and
a video game guide. He presently works as a computer applications and forensics consultant in Mexico City. His
passion is tourism. When not in Mexico City, he travels the world while running the xtremetours.com travel site.
Google Power Tools Bible
Ted Coombs
Roderico DeLeon
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Published by
Wiley Publishing, Inc.
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46256
www.wiley.com
© 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
0470097124
Published simultaneously in Canada
ISBN: 978-0-470-09712-0
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted
under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written
permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the
Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, [phone], fax (978) 646-
8600. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department, Wiley
Publishing, Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256, [phone], fax [phone], or
online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: THE PUBLISHER AND THE AUTHOR MAKE NO
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS
OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS WORK AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
NO WARRANTY MAY BE CREATED OR EXTENDED BY SALES OR PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS.
THE ADVICE AND STRATEGIES CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERY
SITUATION. THIS WORK IS SOLD WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PUBLISHER IS NOT
ENGAGED IN RENDERING LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. IF
PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, THE SERVICES OF A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL
PERSON SHOULD BE SOUGHT. NEITHER THE PUBLISHER NOR THE AUTHOR SHALL BE LIABLE
FOR DAMAGES ARISING HEREFROM. THE FACT THAT AN ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE IS
REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK AS A CITATION AND/OR A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF FURTHER
INFORMATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE AUTHOR OR THE PUBLISHER ENDORSES THE
INFORMATION THE ORGANIZATION OR WEBSITE MAY PROVIDE OR RECOMMENDATIONS IT
MAY MAKE. FURTHER, READERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT INTERNET WEBSITES LISTED IN
THIS WORK MAY HAVE CHANGED OR DISAPPEARED BETWEEN WHEN THIS WORK WAS
WRITTEN AND WHEN IT IS READ.
For general information on our other products and services or to obtain technical support, please contact
our Customer Care Department within the U.S. at [phone], outside the U.S. at [phone] or
fax [phone].
Library of Congress Control Number: 2006939604
Trademarks: Wiley, the Wiley logo, and related trade dress are trademarks or registered trademarks of
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and/or its affiliates, in the United States and other countries, and may not be used
without written permission. Google is a registered trademark of Google, Inc. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor
mentioned in this book.
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print may
not be available in electronic books.
Dedication
To Ocean, Sebastian, Diego and Ana Paula; may Google help you toward a better future.
About the Authors
Ted Coombs has written many books on computer programming, networking, and Internet applications,
including Setting Up an Internet Site For Dummies. He works in the area of computer forensics. He also
heads the effort of documenting world history at wikihistory.org. He lives and works in both Hawaii and the
Netherlands.
Roderico DeLeon has authored several books on computer technology, networking and Internet
applications, and a video game guide. He presently works as a computer applications and forensics
consultant in Mexico City. His passion is tourism. When not in Mexico City, he travels the world while
running the xtremetours.com travel site.
Acknowledgements
We would first like to thank authors Donna Baker, Craig Long, and Adrian Solomon for their invaluable
assistance in completing this book. This was truly a global effort with Roderico in Mexico, Ted in the
Netherlands, Donna in Canada, Craig in Hawaii, and Adrian in Romania. Thanks also to Tim Borek and
Courtney Allen at Wiley for your support in the creation of this book. A big thanks to Matt Wagner at Fresh
Books for managing the whole process, and congratulations on your new baby. Thanks to the entire van
den Berg family in Utrecht, Netherlands, Thijs and Lorenzo for putting up with us while writing this book.
Finally, thanks to all the wonderful developers at Google who have created some great products and
services.
Credits
Acquisitions Editor
Courtney Allen
Project Editors
Tim Borek
Gwenette Gaddis Goshert
Technical Editor
Lee Musick
Copy Editor
Kim Heusel
Editorial Manager
Robyn Siesky
Business Manager
Amy Knies
Vice President and Executive Group Publisher
Richard Swadley
Vice President and Executive Publisher
Bob Ipsen
Vice President and Publisher
Barry Pruett
Project Coordinator
Adrienne Martinez
Graphics and Production Specialists
Claudia Bell
Denny Hager
Barbara Moore
Heather Pope
Amanda Spagnuolo
Quality Control Technicians
John Greenough
Christine Pingleton
Proofreading and Indexing
Techbooks
Wiley Bicentennial Logo
Richard J. Pacifico
Preface
Google Power Tools Bible gives everyone - whether a computer guru trying to figure out how Google can
help with their business, or the average person at home who uses Google to do Web searches but would
like to know more about what other things Google provides - an in-depth look at the products and services
Google offers to date. Learn about services like Gmail, Google Talk, Google Desktop, or how to make
money with Google AdSense. This book helps business owners by guiding them through the many
services Google offers business, whether it’s advertising on the Web, or integrating satellite images of the
Earth into business processes. More than anything, this book helps you discover things about Google that
will entertain you, simplify your life, and make your Internet experience more efficient.
How To Use This Book
The book is divided into the following parts:
Part I: Navigating Google Information - Finding things on the Internet is what Google does best.
The chapters in this part help you navigate the many services Google offers for finding Web pages,
images, videos, news, scholarly articles, maps, and products. In addition to Web searching, this part
covers Google Earth, configuring Google Desktop, portfolio management with Google Finance, and
selling just about anything through Google Base.
Part II: Communicating Google Style - Google provides a number of great programs for
communicating and sharing information. This part shows you how to setup and use Gmail for your e-
mail, Google Talk for instant messaging, and Picasa for editing and sharing pictures. Learn to
communicate with others using Google Groups and Blogger, or share your daily schedule using
Google Calendar.
Part III: Going Mobile - You’re not stuck to your desk with Google. When you’re on the go, find out
where it is you’re going using Google Mobile Maps. Chapters in this part also help you get the most
from your mobile Web surfing experience and find just about any information you need using SMS
text messaging. You also learn about creating mobile Web resources.
Part IV: Google-izing Your Computer - Installing and using the Google Pack applications help you
get the most out of your computer. This part also covers the efficiency-increasing Google Toolbar and
Firefox extensions as well as creating 3D models using Google’s SketchUp.
Part V: Google and the Enterprise - The chapters in this part help businesses of all sizes, from sole
proprietorships to large corporations learn how to market themselves using Google AdWords. Also
learn how to make money by hosting Google ads on your Web pages and blogs. Make good business
decisions regarding online resources by using Google Analytics and Google Trends. Use Google
enterprise applications to expand business desktops and discover how you can use Google Maps in
your business processes. When you need extra Google power, you can always add Google
hardware.
Part VI: Exploring Google Innovation - Find out about what’s coming next at Google. See what is
developing in the Google labs and try the newest Google applications while they are being developed.
Using the Book’s Icons
The following margin icons are used to help you get the most out of this book:
Note Notes highlight useful information that you should take into consideration.
Tip Tips provide an additional bit of advice that will make a particular feature quicker or easier to use.
Caution Cautions warn you of a potential problem before you make a mistake.
Cross-Ref Watch for the Cross-Reference icon to learn where in another chapter you can go to
find more information on a particular feature.
On the Web Watch for the Web Reference icon to learn where on the Internet you can go to find
more information on a particular feature.
Introduction
This book is a “bible,” which, if you use Google’s glossary, you find out comes from the ancient Greek
word byblos, or “papyrus.” Ancient Greek and Egyptian papyrus texts provide information to us even
today, and using Google you can find that information written thousands of years ago. But Google is about
more than simply searching the Web. See the world in a different way using Google Earth, or find your
way throughout the world using Google Maps. Tell others how you feel about the world using Blogger or
how you feel about them using Google Talk. While chatting with friends, look up movie times, find
information about your favorite books, go shopping with Froogle, and entertain yourself watching Google
Video.
In a time when our lives are filled with sound bites, it’s difficult to know if the information the media blasts
at us minute by minute is fair and balanced. Google News aggregates media in an impartial and apolitical
manner. The stories themselves may be biased, but when you can read all the stories, you can create that
balance for yourself and form your own opinion. Google News is also a great feature to install on your
Google Desktop, which creates a great environment for hosting information applications, reading your
Gmail, and adding “gadgets” for fun and profit. Google Finance provides access to financial information
and helps you manage your financial portfolio.
On the way to making your first, second, or tenth million? Let people know about your business by
showing up in searches relevant to your business. With Google AdWords, you can advertise to people in
Google searches and on partner Web sites. Need a little help on your way to that first million? Become
part of the Google network and host Google ads on your Web page and earn money. It’s gratifying to
wake up in the morning and see how many people visited your Web pages each night while you slept, and
how many people clicked ads, sending money your way.
Google isn’t just about enhancing your personal life. There are business software and hardware solutions
that can give your enterprise a competitive information edge. Gain an even greater edge through Google’s
Open software development, which allows for easy access to Google services through the use of
application programming interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs).
What’s more, Google is fun. Last night I left my brother-in-law’s house after showing him Google Trends.
All I heard as he waved, never taking his eyes off the screen, was “Oh wow! Look at this!” That’s exactly
how I feel about all of the Google services, tools, and technologies. “Oh wow! Look at this!”
Part I: Navigating Google Information
Chapter List
Chapter 1: Searching the Web
Chapter 2: Focusing Your Web Search
Chapter 3: Topic Searching
Chapter 4: Discovering Images on the Web
Chapter 5: Hunting for Videos
Chapter 6: Searching through Books
Chapter 7: Searching Google Catalogs
Chapter 8: Shopping as a Sport
Chapter 9: Making Use of Directories
Chapter 10: Keeping in Touch with E-Mail Alerts
Chapter 11: Personalizing Google Desktop
Chapter 12: Exploring Google Maps
Chapter 13: Exploring the World with Google Earth
Chapter 14: Staying Current with Google News
Chapter 15: Researching with Google Scholar
Chapter 16: Managing Your Portfolio with Google Finance
Chapter 17: Google Base
Chapter 18: Using Google “Office”