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Question: How do I use a search engine on the internet?

Answer: A search engine is a tool that searches web pages, indexes them, and identifies web pages that are related to certain keywords and topics that you ask for. You essentially go to the site that offers a search - type in some key words - get related web addresses to view. (Don't Stop there! - Read on!)

There are several different search engines available on the internet. No search engine has a complete directory of every web site and search engines have different algorithms and techniques that they use - so it might pay off to use a combination of search engines available.

Below are three different types of search engines. AltaVista is a great search engine that allows you to enter key words. AskJeeves is more of an "ask a question - and I'll find you an answer" type of a search engine. Yahoo is more or less a huge list of bookmarks that allow you to walk through categories until you get to what you are looking for. They all have their place on the internet. They all work a little different - possibly with different results - so you need to explore a little and find out which method of searching you like best.

Searching the internet can be frustrating. However, most users don't take the time to read the instructions. Students don't think they have time to do read a couple of pages that do not directly pertain to accomplishing the impending deadline. Actually, if you know how to use a search engine it can greatly reduce the time and frustration in obtaining that key piece of needed information. So make some time and learn how to use the search engine first.

Google is (in my opinion) one of the best search engines and it's free (as are most search engines). As with any tool, if you learn how to utilize the different features it can become a better tool. For example

* is a wildcard - i.e. juggle, juggling, juggler, etc.
+ means it has to be on that page
- means it can not be on that page
"this is a phrase" looks for the entire phrase inside of the quotes on a page
Searches are CaSe SeNsItIvE - you type Upper case it has to match - you type lower case it'll look for either upper or lower - be careful

Above, I have shown actual data returned by AltaVista regarding searching for a specific topic. Taking a few minutes to learn the techniques can save an enormous amount of time in the long run - especially when working with good search engines.

AltaVista also has a few choices to help locate specific types of information. Below are brief descriptions on how to locate pictures, pages with links to a page, and how to restrict the search to a specific host of host type.

REMEMBER - once a search turns up the possibilities - read the URL's before you click on them and evaluate their potential.

Answer: NO - most have similar techniques different results - but read their instructions.

Answer: Try to rephrase your key words or try different combinations. If you're using quotes, try to break up any long phrases.

Answer: Yes - Just type something like this link:your.web.host/your_site

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