Tip of the Week: How to Search the Web Without Typing

How fast are you at finding the information you need using Google Search? In today’s data-driven world, knowing how to effectively use Google is actually a marketable skill. Did you know that there are ways in Google Chrome to search for what you need that take less time than typing your query in the search bar?

Click, Drag, and Drop
If you’re browsing Google Chrome and you see a word or words that you want to search for, all you have to do is highlight the text and then click, drag, and drop it into the search bar (the same bar where the URL is displayed). Upon doing this, Google will jump into action and automatically perform a search for you. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Click and Right-Click
Then again, maybe it does. With the power of right-click, you can skip the pesky drag-and-drop thing altogether. All you have to do is highlight the text in Google Chrome that you would like Google to search for, right-click it, and then select Search Google for [...]. Surely and suddenly, Chrome will open up a new tab displaying whatever it is you’re searching for.

Have you tried out either one of these Google Search methods using Chrome before? If not, give it try by selecting any of the words on this page. For example, we think you’ll enjoy the search results after highlighting the phrase “Directive Upstate New York managed IT” (just do us a favor and don’t select our website if you see a little yellow box saying “Ad” next to our Google listing--the cost of those Google Adwords clicks add up fast.)

Or Just Use Your Voice
Of course, at the end of the day, it doesn’t get much easier than just performing a Google search with your voice. All you have to do is go to Google’s home page and (with your microphone activated) say “OK Google.” A red microphone icon will suddenly appear and Google will anxiously await your orders. Next, tell Google whatever it is you’re looking for and your wish is its command. Just remember to speak clearly and have all other background noises toned down, or else Google will pick up on these words too, and come up with some wild and wacky search results.

There you have it. With these three Google Search methods in your arsenal, you’ll never again have to be bothered by all that pesky typing. Celebrate this achievement by kissing your bulky keyboard goodbye and tossing it in the trash... and then use one of these three Google Search methods to buy a new one, because you’re probably still going to need a keyboard for other things.

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