Now and then we return to technology basics for your practice, such as cursor settings, rebooting your machine, or plain-language typing. This time, we’ll concentrate on Google and how best to use its remarkably powerful online search engine. If you are already using Google to find things online, keep reading. Or should we say “keep looking.” We’ve got some great professional screenshots that provide a quick refresher. That’s why we call this our multimedia lawyer’s guide.
First things first. To get to Google’s oniine search engine, look toward the top of your browser window. This is the area of the screen where you normally type in things like “justgoogleitdotcom” or “theinternetsdotcom.” I’m pointing to it in my screenshot here:
Type "www.google.com" in Your Browser Window
Once you find the Google home page, look for the text box that is roughly in the middle of the screen. I’m also pointing to that in the screenshot below. Use your mouse and hover over that text box, then click.
Look for the Text Box in the Middle of the Page
Finally, type in the text box what you want to find. In our example, we’ve typed in “How Much Should I Pay for a Social Media Consultant.” Presto. Google is so fast and so smart that the search results appear directly below your search terms, without even pressing the return button.
Your Search Results are Displayed Below Your Search Terms
In the screenshot above, I’m pointing to my search terms as well as the top three results (apologies for the unfortunate coincidence that my index finger points at an”off-color” remark about social media consulting). The search results, though, are not limited to these three. More results are below these three and can be viewed by scrolling with your mouse or by rubbing your finger down on the screen.
Google search is a great tool for lawyers to use to find useful information. If you have tips or your own screenshots on how to optimize Google search, let us know. Otherwise, happy searching!
Your screenshots tip was helpful. I am also looking for a way to somehow project a computer screen picture to a jury. Is it possible to print a screenshot onto a transparency for use on an overhead projector?
Though we’ve never tried that, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. It would be hard, though, to make sure the finger you use to point to things on the overhead matches the one on the screenshot. Other than that, I’d say go for it.
I really like the interactive aspect of this article. However, I was a little distracted by the extremely large fingernail on the model’s finger. Perhaps a search for manicures? Here’s a link to a salon:
http://www.sonnynails.com/index.html