Using Two of the Features of Google: Google Maps and Google News

Google Maps and Google News are found at the top of the Google home page (in blue).

Google Maps is a map search. Usually, the Google Maps information is fairly accurate, but sometimes it isn't. Since users can obtain textual directions and a road map, it is best to have both. That way, if there is an error or something is unclear on one map, a backup is available. It doesn't usually hurt to consult the satellite map as well. Fairly detailed satellite maps are available.

For some locations, pictures of the street are posted so that a user can take a virtual tour of the area. It's probably not necessary for every trip, but for a new destination it helps familiarize the driver with the area. Tricky turns or awkward entrances can be perused before trips, which may reduce collisions.

Users can add a Google map to their own site. It's called the Map Content Partner Program. If interested, consult the Google Maps site; certain terms and conditions apply. There is also a help forum.

Google News is a search index for news that has billions of pages listed. Whether Google News is an improvement over the Orwellian days of broadcast and cable TV is debatable, but it seems to be, at least while there are other search engines that offer news features. The sea of blogs on the web offer a variety of opinion. Many facts not available in the mainstream press can be found in blogs or websites that are off the beaten path. There are millions of information sources listed.

Some of the news services that are represented on Google News are Associated Content, BBC, Reuters, the Associated Press, Bloomberg, Fox News, CNN, and many newspapers such as the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times. Google News returns results from more obscure news sources as well, such as the Chippewa Herald, Politico, the AFP, Aljazeera.net, and dBTechno.

Google News has Top Stories, World, U.S. and Business News, as well as Science/Technology News, Entertainment News, Sports News, Health News, and Spotlight News. Google is constantly changing, so it's difficult to keep pace with the new things.

For those who want the Orwell experience, YouTube News has video news.

Source: Google