How to Google: A Guide to Finding Information Like a Pro
Instead of telling people to Google it, here’s a better way to use Google
Looking for information is one of the most important skills we can develop. Here’s how my approach has evolved over the years. I’m sharing this as a guide or reference for others.
Before that: A Word of Advice
If someone can’t take the time to Google somethings themself before asking a question, it’s probably not worth the time to respond with something helpful. Mastering the art of searching is a critical skill in any technical field, and it’s one that can only be honed through practice and perseverance.
There are three type of phase:
Junior Unix Admin Days:
In the beginning, I would fire up the google and just type in my questions. My entire search process relied solely on Google.
Intermediate Phase:
As I progresses, I learned about google dorking. I started searching through forums and documentation sites. I learned to RTDM- Read The Friendly Manual and Developed touch typing skills, so I no longer had to look down at my keyboard contently. This allowed me to focus more on the screen and the information in front of me.
Senior Days:
Now, I still use Google and other search engines like DuckDuckGo but I also read some source code to dig deeper. I dive into RFC specifications and replicate scenarios in my own lab to understand how things work on a more granular level. It’s not just about finding quick answers anymore; it’s about truly understanding the systems and processes involved.
The Real Challenge: Time Crunch
For me, the number one challenge when looking for information is the time crunch. We often need to to find answers quicky. Not only do we need to look things up swiftly, but we also need to comprehend the information immediately and connect the dots as fast as possible. If we don’t, we risk accumulating technical debt as new problems arise while we’re still trying to solve current ones.
Learning Through Practice:
This is something I’ve learned and practiced over the years by constantly solving problems and experimenting with different solutions. There are plenty of resources out there to teach you how to google efficiently. Many people who post basic questions or fail to do research often want to be spoon-fed instead of taking the opportunity to grow.
My advice? Learn through failures, do the work, RTFM, Google it, and ask informed questions. Don’t expect quick fixes or easy answers wthout putting in the efforts to learn and understand.
Diving Deeper with Google Dorks
There’s a wealth of documentation on Google Dorks and how/Why they work. You can use a Google dork to find a good document about Google Dorks!
Here are some resources to get you started:
Exploit DB: Google Hacking Database :
StationX: Google Dorks Cheat Sheet :
Ahrefs: Google Advanced Search Operators :
Erik Emmanuelli: Google Search Operators :
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