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Note: Since January 2013 these self-learning resources are now freely accessible without password and without the need to register.

However, it should be noted that the four modules have not been updated since August 2011. As a result some of the information, especially as it relates to Google products reviewed in Module II, may not be entirely current any longer. Moreover, new Google services and tools launched after August 2011 are not included, while some older products may have been withdrawn by Google, or superseded with new pages and URLs.

“Page views, hits, visitors, unique visitors, new and returning visitors …. A short guide to website statistics” was added as an Appendix to Module II in March 2012.

Downloading the PDF files

The substantial number of screenshot illustrations added to the tutorials means that the file sizes of the documents, even when converted to PDF format, are still relatively large. The file sizes are indicated with the download link for each document. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection, the files will probably take between 10 seconds to 3 minutes to download. However, conscious of the fact that many Internet users in the Highlands still have relatively slow connection speeds, the tutorials are accessible with a choice of two file formats.

To access the tutorials click on to your choice of files below.

1. Standard size

Word files converted to PDF in “Standard” format with files sizes up to 6MB, and screenshot illustrations of fairly good quality.

2. Minimum size

Word files converted to PDF in “Minimum size” mode, which significantly reduces the file sizes by about 60% from “Standard”, but resulting in somewhat diminished quality of the screenshot illustrations.

Downloading files to hard disk

Downloading PDF files to hard disk is permitted, but please bear in mind that material contained in the guide is subject to copyright. Users may view, retrieve, display and print all content. Making one or more copies of the modules in hard copy form is permitted, but such copies must be for personal use and may not be sold. Recompiling, copying, publication or republication of text beyond "fair use", in any form or medium whatsoever, may be done only with specific written permission from Hans Zell.

When browsing the PDF files using the Web-based version – and if your screen size permits you to do so without the need for horizontal scrolling – we suggest that you may wish to increase the zoom level in your browser to 120-150% for better legibility of the documents, doing so via the “View” tab, or increasing the size in your status bar in the right-hand corner at the bottom of your screen.

“Standard” access/download


Module I: How to get the most out of Google Web search

47 pp 2.5MB

This module deals primarily with Google Web search, but also offers a potted history of Google, provides an overview of Google’s page ranking algorithms, and describes how Google works and tracks down information on the Web and delivers the results to you.

Module II: A concise guide to Google products, services, applications and other offerings 

54 pp. 4.7MB

A comprehensive inventory of Google’s numerous other products, services, applications, and desktop extensions. Over a hundred products are briefly described and evaluated, setting out their principal features, range of tools, and utility.

Module III: Alternatives to Google: some other search tools worth a try 

25 pp. 2.6MB

Examines and describes a number of other search engines and tools that you might wish to try, or which might be used alongside Google from time to time. It also offers a critical evaluation of speciality and meta search engines, real-time search engines, question & answer search engines, as well as a number of vertical and blog search engines.

Module IV: The best of the Web: a guide to some of the most information-rich resources on the Internet 

44 pp. 5.9MB

Reviews and describes 100 of what arguably are among the very best, most authoritative, and most information-rich websites and resources.

“Minimum size” access/download

For those with slow Internet connections, these are Word files converted to PDF in “minimum size” (low resolution) mode, reducing the file size by about 60% from “Standard” file sizes for quicker download, but resulting in somewhat diminished quality of the screenshot illustrations.


Module I: How to get the most out of Google Web search

47 pp 905KB

This module deals primarily with Google Web search, but also offers a potted history of Google, provides an overview of Google’s page ranking algorithms, and describes how Google works and tracks down information on the Web and delivers the results to you.

Module II: A concise guide to Google products, services, applications and other offerings 

54 pp. 1.5MB

A comprehensive inventory of Google’s numerous other products, services, applications, and desktop extensions. Over a hundred products are briefly described and evaluated, setting out their principal features, range of tools, and utility.

Module III: Alternatives to Google: some other search tools worth a try 

25 pp. 818KB

Examines and describes a number of other search engines and tools that you might wish to try, or which might be used alongside Google from time to time. It also offers a critical evaluation of speciality and meta search engines, real-time search engines, question & answer search engines, as well as a number of vertical and blog search engines.

Module IV: The best of the Web: a guide to some of the most information-rich resources on the Internet 

44 pp. 1.53MB

Reviews and describes 100 of what arguably are among the very best, most authoritative, and most information-rich websites and resources.

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