Topic:

Mastering Web Search Techniques

The World Wide Web is a rapidly growing and changing body of information. Information about any and every subject is on the Web, but finding and retrieving that information isn't always easy. Published collections of URLs are widely available, but their contents are usually three months old or more. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, you need to use online search engines.

There are over 50 search engines on the Web, with new ones appearing monthly. Learning how to use these search engines to locate Internet resources will not only save you time and money, but will also increase the value of your Internet access.

In this tutorial, you will find:

• Hints and tips about using search engines
• URLs for the best search engines online
• Links to more online search engine usage tutorials

How to Use a Search Engine

The main operation of a search engine is to create and display a list of matches from a user-supplied search string. The actual search parameters vary greatly from one engine to another, but a few general guidelines will help you narrow your searches.

• Use full names or titles when known
• Check your spelling
• Use proper capitalization
• Be as specific as possible
• Try using synonyms and related words

If search parameters are offered, try these options in this order:

1. Set case sensitive
2. Search by title
3. Search by keyword/context/comments
4. Use boolean operations:
   • At least one of the keys (boolean or)
   • All keys (boolean and)
   • All keys as a single string
5. Use strings as keywords or as complete words

Search Tips URLs:

Search Tips

Searching the World Wide Web

About Search Engines

Internet Search Tips

Search Engine URLs:

Yahoo's List of Search Engines

ALL-IN-ONE Search Page

A collection of search engine front ends.

WWW Search Tools

Internet Search Engines

Internet WWW Meta-pages and Search Engine Tools

W3E References:

W3E Search Engine List