The popular Google is often used for just run-of-the-mill web searches, but it’s not widely known that the handy search engine can be utilised in many more ways.

And while many of these simple functions can be done by other means (such as with built-in computer applications), techies who perhaps spend most of their day brooding over a browser might find this method more efficient.

Though the ‘Search the Web’ slot is the most prominent feature on the Google homepage (a given since it’s the most used), focus on the top left tabs, the last of which reads ‘more’.

It gives you a smaller window, which lists ‘Calendar’, ‘Documents’, ‘Reader’, ‘Sites’, ‘Groups’ and lastly ‘even more’. Click ‘even more’ and uncover a host of other functions that are categorised.

The easiest thing to do is use Google as a spelling aid. Entering a word into the search engine is a good way to gauge whether or not you have the correct spelling (the website can also be used to search for both American and British spelling). If it’s incorrect, Google will suggest the correct spelling instead. Additionally, if you want to get the definition of a word, you may opt to enter “define: [insert word]” and the search will return meanings from various dictionaries across cyberspace.

Users may also use Google as a calculator — try entering a calculation like ‘110* (335/8 + 3)’ or ‘678* 8’ and the answer will appear.

And speaking of computing numbers, the search engine is also able to tell users what time it is anywhere in the world. Search for time and then the name of the city. For example, enter: ‘time Japan’ to get the current local time. Google can also do currency conversion, for example; ‘100 pounds in Jamaican dollars’.

Many are aware that if you add a plus sign the search field opens up all websites that contain that information, but the search engine may also be used to diminish the result. For example, if you’re searching for information about Rihanna, but don’t want anything on her latest album you could try: ‘Rihanna’ -Rated R. This omits all the info concerning this album and would only present prior content.

Google may also search the web for specific datelines; if a user wants to look for information about Olympic events that took place in the 1950s, then try entering ‘Olympics 1950…1960’.

So whether you’re a casual user or someone who spends many hours searching the world’s most popular online resource, these are great shortcuts and tips to make finding data a little more efficient… enjoy these Google tricks!