Searching for information on the Internet can be frustrating. You'll find better information faster if * you take the time to learn the difference between Search Engines, Directories, and the "invisible web" * you learn some basic search techniques * you use the advanced
features of your search engine
General Search Tips Spelling matters - make sure to have the correct spelling for any words used in searches Be specific e.g. bears rather than animals or even better "polar bears" Using quotation marks will force the search engine to search for that exact phrase, rather than for the individual words. Make use of the advanced features, such as searching only edu domains, or a specific time frame.
SEARCH ENGINES
Search engines use computer robot programs or "spiders" to search a database of web pages. They rank the search results according to different criteria. Web masters are always designing new ways of getting their web pages to appear on the first screen of the results.
From the University of Berkeley, a chart showing the features of the best search engines, as well as information on how they work and how to use them effectively.
Search Tips: v Can use words or questions to search v On right side select images, maps, news, weather, encyclopedia or dictionary v When results list appears, look on the right side for ideas to narrow or expand your search v When in Advanced Search, click on the Advanced Search Tips links for more searching tips
Defaults to searching the web. Select Images to limit search to pictures or select Maps to limit search to maps. Other Tips: v Put phrases in quotations, e.g. “Canadian Arctic” v Use + for words that must be there e.g. bears +black v Use – for words that should not be there, e.g. Penguins –hockey
GENERAL DIRECTORIES
Highest quality sites with reliable annotations.
The Internet Public Library From the University of Michigan’s School of Information.
THE INVISIBLE WEB
The "invisible web" or "deep web" refers to the great amount of websites that are not retrievable using just a search engine or directory. This information may be 2 or 3 times larger than the visible web. It includes databases that require passwords, many of which may require a subscription. For a fuller explanation see the University of Berkeley's site here and Those Dark Hiding Places here.
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