How to Search Google Groups Using the Google Toolbar

Google Groups is a free service which offers a combination message board and e-mail list which enables you to find information and participate in discussions on a wide range of topics. In addition to current discussions, Google Groups also hosts an archive of discussion group material dating back to 1981, making it a powerful reference database that can offer some interesting insights into internet history and culture. Google groups is easy to search with the Google Toolbar installed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection
• Operating system: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows ME or Windows 98
• Latest version of Internet Explorer or Firefox
• Google Toolbar

Search Google Groups Using the Google Toolbar

1. Click the capital G in the search field on the Google Toolbar.

2. Select Groups from the drop-down box.

3. Type your search terms into the search field, then press enter to start your search.

Add a Google Groups Button to the Toolbar

4. Click the Settings button (in Internet Explorer) or the Options button (in Firefox) on the Google Toolbar.

5. Select the Manage option, then choose the Buttons tab (in Internet Explorer) or choose the Search tab (in Firefox).

6. Place a checkmark in the box beside the Google Groups option.

7. Click OK to save your changes and exit the window.

Search Google Groups Using the Groups Button

8. Type your search terms into the search field on the Google Toolbar. Click the Google Groups button on the toolbar to search.

9. Click the Google Groups button on your toolbar to navigate to the Google Groups homepage (alternative to Step 1—you’ll need to search from the homepage if you want to search the archives or browse group categories).

Tips & Warnings

• You don’t need to sign up for a Google Groups account to look at public content, but you will need an account if you want to join groups and post messages. If you use Gmail, you can sign in with your Gmail username and password. Some groups will require that you become a group member before you can read its content.
• To search archived content, click the Advanced Group Search link on the Google Groups homepage and refine your search according to date.
• Remove the Groups search button from the Google Toolbar by performing the same steps as you did to add it, but uncheck the box labeled Google Groups instead of checking it.
• Google Groups content is not monitored by Google (unless a complaint is made) and they take no responsibility for group content. Groups which contain sexually explicit content are usually marked as such, however it is possible that you may inadvertently load content that is not work-safe or appropriate for children.