In the previous three installments of this series, we covered a wide variety of different search features and strategies using the (currently) most popular search engine: Google.com
Today, I am going to take one of the earlier techniques of using the "wildcard" function "*" (the asterisk symbol, you know, the star like thingy above the #8 on your keyboard) and have some fun with it. Let's begin.

According to Google: "A wildcard in a Google search query can be indicated by an asterisk and will match one or more entire words of text so that the query matches a contiguous sequence of words." Here's an example:

A search for [anti-spyware software *] will return searches for "anti-spyware software programs" and "anti-spyware software applications". You could also search for [ * spyware ] which will return searches for "about:blank spyware", "remove spyware", "get rid of spyware", "anti spyware" and many others.

You can also ask Google a question using a wildcard like this:

[how do I remove * spyware]

This query will return results about how to remove certain types of spyware like:

"how do I remove Kazaa spyware" and "how do I remove Xupiter spyware" etc..

If you really want to expand your search horizons, try using more than one wildcard. Perform the search [ how do I * * spyware] will return resulys such as: "how do I detect harmful spyware" and "how do I get rid of spyware".

If you are real daring, use THREE wild cards like [how * I * * spyware] and Google will return back results such as: "how did I get infected with spyware", "how do I remove nasty spyware" and "how can I get rid of spyware".

Starting to see the possibilities? Now go get Googling!

If you missed any of the first three installments in this series, you may find them at: http://spyware.pcwash.com/articles_1.html

BlueWaterArticles.com: - How To REALLY Use Google Part Four

About the Author

When not on his soapbox, Andrew Wroblewski is doing battle with the thousands of spyware programs that can affect you via his anti-spyware and spyware removalwebsite: http://spyware.pcwash.com where you can get a FREE spyware scan of your computer system.