The Google Toolbar for Genealogists

Robert Ragan from Treasure Maps How-To Genealogy Site has produced an interesting video showing detailed instructions for using the Google Toolbar for genealogy searches. The Google Toolbar is a free tool that installs in your Firefox web browser on Windows, Macintosh, or Linux or in your Internet Explorer browser on Windows. The Google Toolbar simplifies web searches, blocks obnoxious pop-up ads, and does a lot more.

In fact, the Google Toolbar does not find any information that you could not find yourself by manually conducting searches. However, it does add convenience and simplicity.

I have been using the Google Toolbar for years primarily because I like the way it blocks pop-up ads although Firefox has since added similar functionality to the browser itself.

Ragan's 4- minute video shows how to install and use the Google Toolbar for genealogy searches.

You can watch the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qefdagiK38.

Comments

[M. Diane Rogers]

Robert Ragan is often still known as 'the pajama genealogy guy'. He has lots of other great ideas for doing genealogy, especially on the Internet.

The video showing his Google genealogy search is also viewable on his website: http://amberskyline.com/treasuremaps

[Dino (All Dino, All The Time)]

Internet Explorer 7 also has a built in pop-up blocker (as well as phishing filter.) And I don't believe that they collect info about your surfing habits and send them back to the mother ship, like all of the Google apps do. When you use a Google app, remember why you're getting something for free.

[Robert Ragan]

Dick,

Thanks very much for the mention. I'm one of your long-time readers and it is nice to get a nod my way from you.

I have several other videos on YouTube. I will not list them all, but if your readers are interested in the Google Toolbar video then they will also like these:

These two videos show how to search for genealogy information using Google:

* Genealogy Search Basics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVQXrKDt_Dk

* Genealogy Search Variant Surnames
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp710JYJ6vs

This one went up last week and covers some RSS feed tips (not as scary or boring as it sounds):

* How to Bring the Genealogy Goodies TO You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuk3Q9CSiys

I have discovered that this topic is being underused by a huge majority of online genealogy researchers and they are missing out on a lot of wonderful things.

My best ;-) Robert Ragan

[Geezer]

As a computer challenged individual, it's great to have the intructor around to answer questions!
After 2 visits to your video, I got the toolbar installed I do not see the the double arrows you showed to highlight though. Thanks

[Happy Dae]

The Google Toolbar has long been one of my faves, too. Along with Coperic Search Agent, I've found many interesting facts relating to my ancestral relatives. I've done presentations about using the Google family of tools and you can see it on my website under Presentations. I've also reviewed the Copernic Search Agent (also FREE) and placed that review under Reviews. Take a look and try them out!

Happy Dae.
http://www.ShoeStringGenealogy.com

[Robert Ragan]

Hi Geezer,

That's strange. Try this:

* From the Google Toolbar, click on the "Settings" link.

* Click on "Options."

* Click on the "More" option (it is an icon).

* From here under the "Page Tools" section you can click on the checkbox that says "Highlight search terms."

Hope that helps.

;-) Robert Ragan