The Google Directory is a useful alternative to searching the massive Google web page index. Google Directory results are more focused and of uniformly higher quality than what you find in the larger search index, and they also give you a feel for what’s available in any given category. Plus, you get the advantage of browsing by category instead of searching, if that’s your style. Kudos to Google for adapting the Open Directory to the Google site and offering users the best of both worlds.

Kudos are also in order for Google Knol, Google’s attempt to repeat the success of Wikipedia. Whether you’re an expert with knowledge to share or a researcher or student who needs information on a given topic, Google Knol is a great tool. It lets users share their expertise with one another—and provides more authoritative information than you’re likely to find from a simple Google web search.