5 less known google search techniques that will make you smarter and productive

We all depend on google searches more than food and shelter (starbucks provides both wireless and shelter :-)
However, finding right information quickly within your search context is the key. Learning, how to smartly and effectively use google search can make you productive at work, specially in the part of world where internet usage at work is limited and strictly monitored. Here is a list of 5 tips which certainly will make you productive and smart as far as finding right information is concerned:

1. Google Definition: -  If you are trying to find definition of a word in a specific context, use the search keyword prefixed with define. So if you need to see definition of "abstraction" in programming language context, type keyword "define abstraction" in search bar. You will see the definition in different context including what you are looking for
2. Searching for Abbreviated terminology: - If you need to know what does RMA stands for, don't use just RMA in search box, it will return you 10 million results. Instead search for "RMA stands for" and you are guaranteed to get it first result which most popular is Return Merchandise Authorization
3. Searching directory of information: - Google directory allows you to choose specific topic context and search within. You can select "Computers" directory and search for cloud to get cloud computing related directory results. However, if you don't find the right directory to search for, google provides alternative way. You can use keywords like:  "computers intitle: cloud" You will notice the difference in search results and if you still need to narrow down by only University related pages, use "computers intitle: cloud site:edu"
4. Finding phone numbers and addresses: - Google offers reverse phone number lookups for residential and business phone owners. Wireless numbers are not covered. Just type "phonebook: 4087776565" and you will get the owner information. You can also use "phonebook: Name" to get phone number if its landline and owner has not removed permission to not use it.
5. Google Scholarly search: - If you are searching for papers and journals on specific topics, use Google scholar Here you can select to return results from patents as well.  You can click advanced search and select particular state for including court opinions on a topic, pretty powerful.

Other than the search techniques mentioned above you can take a look at Google web search features page where you can customized your search terms in numerous ways and get very precise results. Also I love to use Google Tip of the day Gadget to my iGoogle page.