In the previous three installments of this series, we covered a wide variety of different search features and strategies using the (currently) most popular search engine: Google.com Today, I am going to take one of the earlier techniques of using the wildcard function * (the asterisk symbol, you know, the star like thingy above the #8 on your keyboard) and have some fun with it. Lets begin.
According to Google: A wildcard in a Google search query can be indicated by an asterisk and will match one or more entire words of text so that the query matches a contiguous sequence of words. Heres an example:
A search for [anti-spyware software *] will return searches for anti-spyware software programs and anti-spyware software applications. You could also search for [ * spyware ] which will return searches for about:blank spyware, remove spyware, get rid of spyware, anti spyware and many others.
You can also ask Google a question using a wildcard like this:
[how do I remove * spyware]
This query will return results about how to remove certain types of spyware like:
how do I remove Kazaa spyware and how do I remove Xupiter spyware etc..
If you really want to expand your search horizons, try using more than one wildcard. Perform the search [ how do I * * spyware] will return resulys such as: how do I detect harmful spyware and how do I get rid of spyware.
If you are real daring, use THREE wild cards like [how * I * * spyware] and Google will return back results such as: how did I get infected with spyware, how do I remove nasty spyware and how can I get rid of spyware.
Starting to see the possibilities Now go get Googling!
If you missed any of the first three installments in this series, you may find them at: http://spyware.pcwash.com/articles_1.html
When not on his soapbox, Andrew Wroblewski is doing battle with the thousands of spyware programs that can affect you via his anti-spyware and spyware removalwebsite: where you can get a FREE spyware scan of your computer system.
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