2 ways to improve online searches

Sure, online search engines like Google and Bing make it easy to find what you’re looking for. But there are ways to improve your searches.

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Here’s how, reports nytimes.com.

1. Specialized searches: If you’re looking for specific files, type the extension in your search engine along with the topic. For example, docx, xlsx and pdf, for Word, Excel and PDF files, respectively. Also, if you want articles from specific websites include the site, as well as the topic within your search (e.g. washingtonpost.com Mitt Romney).

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2. Finding facts: Stock prices are available in either Google or Bing by entering a stock symbol followed by “stock.” For example, aapl stock or sbux stock, pulls up prices of Apple or Starbucks. In Google, using a company name works: Whole Foods stock.

And while both Google and Bing include calculators, Google’s is more complex. For instance, simply type “4 * 24” in Google and the answer, along with a graphing calculator, appears as you finish typing.

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Read more tips to make online searches easier and faster.