While reading this article from OnlineColleges.net about 100+ Google Tricks That Will Save You Time in School, I stumbled upon some really awesome tricks I did't know about. Now I use these all the time so I hope you find a quick trick (or two) that will save you!

• Most importantly: Get around blocked sites. If you are having problems getting around a blocked site, just type "cache:website address" with the website address being the address of the blocked site to use Google's cached copy to get where you are going. Great for use at work and school!
• Do a timeline search. Use "view:timeline" followed by whatever you are researching to get a timeline for that topic.
• Search for a specific file type. If you know you want a PDF (or maybe an pirated MP3 or torrent), just type in "filetype:pdf" and your search tearm to find results that are only in that file type.
• Use Google Earth's Sky Feature. If going outside isn't your thing, take a look into the night sky from your computer screen.
• Collect notes with Google Notebook. Use this simple note-taking tool to collect your research for a paper or project or other notes.
• Use Google Docs for everything. Use their 50+ pre-made templates, collaborate on group projects, create online surveys, create calendars, create graphs, spreadsheets and text documents, send invitations and more!
• Use Gmail. Make the change to the super-popular Gmail if you haven't already. It makes communication and your life easier through its tasks and to-do lists, archive feature, mail labels, use AIM in Gmail, and more.
• Control your life with Google Calendar. Sync up with others using iCal, customized reminders including SMS reminders or an SMS daily agenda, use multiple calendars, invite others to your events, and more.
• Google SketchUp. If you need to draw 3D figures for class, use Google SketchUp to do so easily and free of charge.
• Blogger. This is the blog engine that I use. In my opinion, it's the easiest and most intuitive.