Google 101 - Patents, Tracking IDs, and Other Numeric Goodies (Page 12 of 12 ) Hardly anyone knows this, but Google lets you search for numbers on the Web. And not just any numbers, but specific tracking IDs, U.S. patent numbers, FAA airplane registration numbers, FCC equipment ID tags, universal product codes, maps by area code, and vehicle identification numbers. When it comes up with a match for your number, it shows you a special listing at the top of your results page, as in Figure 1-18. 
The numeric service is new and includes just the quirky searches described above. Still, when you need to look up those numbers, this feature can save you a mess of clicking around the complex Web sites of delivery services and government agencies. Here’s how to run the specific searches: - UPS, FedEx, and U.S. Postal Service tracking numbers. Looking up package tracking numbers and finding out whether your Lands’ End long underwear is stuck in a warehouse in Kentucky has long been a major benefit of the Web. The process just got easier. Simply type your tracking number in a blank search box, and Google provides a link to a Web page with your item’s transit history.
- Patent numbers. If you look up patent numbers regularly, or ever, you know the US Patent and Trademark Office has a nice, thorough Web site that makes you jump through a lot of hoops to find a patent by number. Stave off a few gray hairs by using Google to look them up instead. Just preface the number with the word patent, like this: patent 5123123.
- Universal product codes (UPCs). For some basic information on consumer products, like their manufacturer, try looking up the UPC, like this: 036000250015 (no need to include UPC first). Most of the time, you can find UPCs under an item’s barcode.
- Federal Communications Commission equipment ID numbers. If you’re an engineer at a wireless phone company, and you want inside info on a competitor’s product, check out the FCC’s database. To get there, type fcc into Google, followed by the ID number, like this: fcc G9H2-7930.
- Flight numbers. Want to find out if your cousin’s flight from Ottawa is on time? Check flight status by typing in the airline and flight number, like this: usair 50.
- Federal Aviation Administration airplane registration numbers. If you’re the head of a startup airline, and you’re considering buying a used plane from one of the big industry players, this feature is for you! Just type in the registration number directly, like this: n233aa, and Google gives you a link to the FAA site with some details about the manufacturer and history of that plane.
Tip: You can typically find airplane registration numbers on the tail of a plane. - Vehicle identification numbers (VINs). If you’re buying a used car, you can use the VIN to learn more about that individual auto’s history (the VIN is usually on a small metal tag at the bottom edge of the windshield). Type in a number, like this: JH4NA1157MT001832, and Google provides a link to the Carfax info for that car.
- Maps by area code. Type in an area code, like 212, and the top of your Google results will include a link for a Mapquest map of that region. The maps generally cover a larger area than the area code, but they can give you a sense of whether 609 is in New Jersey or Idaho.
Note: If you’d like Google to add another type of number to its search service, let the company know: suggestions@google.com. A Final Tip: Googling Google If you find yourself staring at a Google feature you’ve never heard of before, or if you’re wondering when they introduced the calculator, or if you want to know about getting a job at the company, head to the bottom of the home page or any search results page and click About Google. The links on About Google take you to all four corners of the Google universe—if you can figure out where to look. Is the calculator under Web Search Features or Services & Tools? Half the time, it’s easier to simply Google Google. There’s a blank search box on almost every page within About Google, usually labeled “Search our site”or “Find on this site.” When you run a search (calculator introduced) you get a regular page of Google results, complete with handy snippets. It’s a terrific timesaver—letting your learn within seconds that the number-crunching feature debuted in the summer of 2003. Too bad they don’t make Google for your life.  | If you've enjoyed what you've seen here, or to get more information, click on the "Buy the book!" graphic. Pick up a copy today!
Visit the O'Reilly Network http://www.oreillynet.com for more online content. |
| DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware. |
|
/ 17 
