Whether using the Google Filetype Command or using Google Alerts, Google provides users with the opportunity to adjust Google searches to be more accurate and appropriate for the topic being searched. The Google settings option is just one more Google feature designed to improve the overall Google search experience.
The changes a user makes to the Google settings page are tied to the individual computer begin used. As long as cookies are turned on, changes to Google settings will remain on the computer and will not need to be reset whenever the user logs on. If a user is using a networked system he may discover:
- Cookies are turned off
- All settings are changed back to a master default after logging off.
- Security protocols on the network may not allow this type of modification.
What Changes can be Made to the Settings?
There are seven major categories of changes that can be made. A user should consider her choice to change a setting very carefully. Changes on the settings page will affect all future searches.
Interface Language
This is the language Google uses to communicate with the user via instructions and internal links. Users that speak another language may change to over 120 other languages. While most of the languages are real (everything from Afrikaans to Zulu) some languages are fictional and display Google Corporation’s appreciation of fun. When the interface language changes, the language list changes also. The moral: A user should not choose Klingon unless he knows the Klingon word for English.
Search Language
This eliminates sites written in languages other than those understood by the user. If a user speaks English, French, and Polish, Google only searches sites written in these languages.
Safe Search Filtering.
A user can set one of three filter levels:
- strict
- moderate (default)
- no filtering.
While it’s not perfect the filtering can be used to reduce, and nearly eliminate, content of a sexual nature. "Moderate" filters inappropriate images but does not affect text. Some users object to outside filtering and change to "No filtering." Unfortunately some sites that pander to explicit sexual references have come up with tricks that sneak through even the super secret Google algorithms. A non filtered search for a popular celebrity might bring up an undesirable site. This can be embarrassing if it occurs while doing a search at work or helping a child with a homework assignment. Moderate filtering should prevent most explicit images and Strict filtering will also filter text.
Number of Results
Normally Google displays 10 citations at a time. This number may be changed to 20, 30, 50, or 100. If the search topic has multiple interpretations increasing the number of hits displayed can streamline scanning the citation list.
Results Window
Users can opt to have citations open in a new window. This allows the user to fully explore a site. When she finishes her exploration of one site, all she need do is close the active window and the Google search reappears right where she left off.
Query Suggestions
Users can opt to allow Google to offer suggestions as they enter search criteria. It’s similar to the way the browser will display a drop down list that matches previously visited sites with similar beginnings. Beginning with “star” will result in a drop down that includes star trek, star wars, starbucks and more. If the user sees a listing they wish to use, they can just click on it and don’t need to continue typing.
SearchWiki
This allows a signed-in Google user to customize his own search. Four options are available for doing this.
- Add a comment about site. This icon looks like a comic book speech bubble and allows a user the opportunity to write a comment about the site.
- Don’t like a result. Click on this icon (X in a box) assures the user this will not appear again as long as she is properly signed in to her Google account.
- Like a certain search result. This icon is displayed as an up arrow with a horizontal bar above it. Clicking this site will move this site to the top of the users search results when he uses the same search terms again.
- Know a better site. If a user knows a site that wasn’t listed they can click on the Add a Result link at the bottom of every Google search page. The user types the URL. The next time this search is performed the site appears on top with a green “Like a certain search” icon displayed next to it.
Careful use of Google settings can make searches quicker, more accurate, and easier. Users should give this a try. If they don’t like the results, they can always change it back. For information about the latest Google "experiments," Google Labs-Home of New Google Apps is an article Google users may find interesting.
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