Since I cannot see anything anyway, I'll presume* that most of you haven't. I know I have only used it a few times myself. Some feel that it is a bit clumsy in its design, which have lead to third parties creating new front-ends for Google searching.
For example, Faganfinder's site includes several different links to Google searches, including their Google Ultimate Interface. It may in fact be just a bit more clear than Google's own advanced page, though if you're already on Google, you're merely a click away from the advanced search, whereas you might be hard pressed to remember the Faganfinder URL.
Another alternative Google front-end -- and one that is easier to navigate to -- is Soople. Soople's designers explain the page:
Soople is an early English dialect, which means 'to soften, make supple'.
That's exactly what I envisioned for this site ; a site that softens all the
fantastic advanced functions Google offers. This site is meant for all those who
are not yet familiar with all the possibilities of Google and all the required
syntaxes.
Instead of having to remember different prefixes used to initiate the various specific searches that Google employs, you can simply use the appropriate search field for the desired results.
Finally, for those of us who work in Reference at the Main Library, this search engine allows users to find information on old brands that are no longer being manufactured, Saab steering wheels and the font used in Momar's logo.
*defensive measure to avoid hearing "you know what happens when you assume..."
1 comment:
I especially like the Mr. Norge page; BTW, I'm very proud that I'm the person who gave him the name Mr. Norge-several staff persons over the years have thought that it was his real name :)
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