Millions of Web searchers turn to Google to find what they're looking for. In 2005, Google garnered a 49 percent share of the 5.1 billion searches conducted via search engines, according to the Nielsen/NetRatings MegaView Search report issued in February.

What many people don't know about Google is that behind a deceptively simple homepage, www.google.com, is a big world of Google tools and services. To get your arms around the possibilities, we've outlined some neat tricks and timesaving tips.

Conduct a simple search. Some basic tips are included here along with recently added search features. These tips refer to the search box on Google's homepage.

• Quotations. Put quotation marks around the phrase: "SEC study". Don't worry about capitalization: "sec sTuDy" will return the same results as "SEC study"
• Tracking. Need to track your shipment from a major shipping company like UPS or USPS? Simply type in the tracking number in the search box. Do the same for tracking a flight: enter the airline followed by the flight number.
• Dictionary. Find the definition of a word by typing define: ethics
• Calculator. That's right. Type in a math problem and Google will spit out the answer. Try this: (256-96)/96
• Directions/Maps. Many Web sites offer maps and driving directions. Now Google does too. Type in an address in the box and the results will return a street map and a satellite image. From here, type in from/to driving directions.

Explore "more." From the Google homepage, click on "More" and you're in Google heaven.

• Toolbar. If you use Google often, download the Google toolbar to your Web browser. Not only do you have instant Google access, you can block pop-ups and auto fill your personal information into Web forms.
• News. With Google News, access news stories from a myriad of sources, from The New York Times to Christian Science Monitor to PC World. When you search in Google News, you get results of how that word or phrase appeared in periodicals within the last 30 days. This feature saves you from having to visit several different news sites for the same story or topic. Give it a test run by typing in FASB.
• Local. Find local businesses and services with a map pointing to the exact physical position. Traveling to Seattle for a conference and need to find the nearest Westin hotel? Type in Seattle Westin.
• Special Searches. When looking for a specific government document, search .gov Web sites only. Other special search options include Public Service Search, University Search, and Microsoft Search.
• Alerts. Are you following a particular company in the news? Customize an Alert and you'll be notified via email when Google finds that topic. A practical application would be to monitor your company, industry, or competitors.

This is just a small helping of what Google has to offer. In addition to cool search capabilities, Google has email, a photo editor, satellite imaging, a Web blog tool, a language translator, instant messaging, and a mobile-device tool (all free). To further your Google knowledge, don't miss the Help page, which provides tips for basic and advanced searching.

Happy googling!

Encore: More Tricks and Timesavers

NIQUETTE KELCHER is the Web Managing Editor for SmartPros Ltd.