Tip #4: Do more with Google

Yesterday, I mentioned that Google isn't your address bar. Today's tip is more or less a continuation of the previous one. Here are some things which only Google's search box can do, while your address bar can't, apart from searching the web.

1. Check the weather

Just type "weather" followed by the name of a city or town, and you will be shown a 4-day forecast as well as current conditions.

2. Convert currencies

You can type the name of the currency (either in short or in full), but I always find that typing the three-letter code of the currency is faster and a safer bet. Here are a few common ones:

• MYR - Malaysian ringgit
• SGD - Singapore dollars
  
• USD - US dollars
• AUD - Australian dollars
• RMB - China Renminbi

3. Make it your dictionary

Forget about your fat Oxford dictionary, just ask Google by typing "define" followed by a word.

4. Find local times

If you can't be bothered to put multiple clock gadgets on your desktop to follow the time in other countries... well, the screenshot says it all.

5. Convert measurement units

This one is a little harder to use, because sometimes Google doesn't understand symbols or shorthands you may type. I tried "6'3" to cm" and it didn't work.

There are a couple more special queries you can issue to Google, but the ones I have highlighted here are the ones which do not only apply for the US.