- The original name for Google was supposed to be “Googol” (1 followed by 100 zeros), but investor Andy Bechtolsheim wrote the check to “Google,” and the founders decided to keep it that way.
- The First Server – Made from Lego
In 1998, Larry and Sergey used Lego bricks to build the housing for their first server array because it was cheap and flexible. - Google’s First “Doodle”
In 1998, Larry and Sergey went to the Burning Man festival. To let users know they were unavailable, they placed the Burning Man logo on the homepage. This became the first Google Doodle. - Google’s “20% Time” Rule
Google employees could spend 20% of their time on their own projects. This rule led to the creation of Gmail, Google News, and AdSense. - Gmail’s Secret Beta Code
When Gmail launched in beta in 2004, it was invite-only. It was so in demand that invites were being sold on eBay for up to $150. - Google’s First Paying Advertiser
In 2000, the first customer for Google Ads was an online drugstore, which paid $0.05 per click. - The Word “Google” in the Dictionary
In 2006, the Oxford English Dictionary added “google” as a verb meaning “to search for information on the internet.” - Google’s “Big Red Button”
The big red shut-off button in data centers is nicknamed the “Google Cop.” If someone accidentally presses it, it can shut down the entire system. - Google’s Secret Naval Cannon
There is an old decommissioned naval cannon on the Googleplex campus that employees can fire using their mobile app. - Google’s Dog, Yoshka
Google’s first dog, Yoshka, would come to work with his owners (the founders) and had his own Google employee badge. - 🤖 Fun Google Easter Eggs
- You can play Pac-Man on Google by searching for “Google Pac-Man.”
- Search for “do a barrel roll” or “zerg rush,” and the screen will spin or the ‘O’s will attack your cursor.