Find Information: Searching the Web: Page 3

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Refining Your Search Regardless of which search engine you use, it pays to find out the particulars of how it works. Take the time to read the search tips on the site. For instance, how does the engine handle searches that include more than one word? Most engines, but not all, return results that include any of the words. Because there is so much information online, usually you will want to limit the scope of your searches. How do you do this? This is a good point to digress to talk about Boolean operators. The English mathematician George Boole developed an algebra of logic that has become the basis for computer database searches. Boolean logic uses words called operators to determine whether a statement is true or false. The most common operators are AND, OR and NOT. These three little words can be enormously helpful when doing online searches. A few examples show why. Searching... Results in... cable AND car Documents with both words cable OR car The greatest amount of matches; documents with either word cable NOT car Documents about cable, but not about cable cars; a good way to limit the search. The exact syntax each engine uses varies, so familiarize yourself with each one's unique properties. WATCH THIS... Here's a simple explanation of Boolean operators. Metasearches Rather than search each directory or index individually, you can submit your query simultaneously to multiple search engines by doing a metasearch. TRY THIS... Perform a metasearch with Mamma. Type in a search term, then click on the Find It button. The Big Four Whether you want to search for information about cable cars, investments or any other subject, here are our favorites: Google Yahoo! MSN Ask.com Remember, all search tools are not alike. Each uses a slightly different methodology, so your results will vary. You may not always find what you're looking for on the first try. Create a folder called Search Engines under your Bookmarks or Favorites menu. Now add these engines to the folder so you can easily access them whenever you want to search. Alternately, you can download a search toolbar for your web browser. Instead of going to the search site, you can perform a search from your desktop. A final word of advice. The Internet may not be the best place to find certain information. While it abounds with computer-related subjects, it is not as good for historical information. The telephone and a sharp reference librarian may still be your best bet. TRY THIS... Test your search skills with Net Hunt 1.0. Back Last update: Jan 4, 2008 Related Articles: Online Information: Fact or Fiction? Advanced Search Techniques The Interactive Search Engine Tutorial Learn the Net (www.learnthenet.com) is Copyright 1996-2008. Michael Lerner Productions. All Rights Reserved.