One of the most basic tools you have to perfect is the ability to get what you want on the Intenet. Learning how and where to search is the key.
Most all of the major search engines have tips and tutorials, be sure to check them out.
I've include some tips I consider the most relevant here.
There is a wide variety of links to search engines and search information sites. You can also search right from my site, just choose a search engine below
GENERIC SEARCH TIPS:
- Formulate the research question and its scope
- Identify the important concepts within the question
- Identify search terms to describe those concepts
- Consider synonyms and variations of those terms
- Prepare your search logic
TOP SEARCH TIPS:
- Be Specific. Search engines work better when you use multiple keywords.
- Read The Instructions. Every site has it's own syntax. Entering a proper query can make a difference in finding what you want.
- Use Boolean Logic. Most sites allow Boolean logic queries: AND, OR, NOT. This helps pinpoint precision. More on Boolean logic and some examples.
- Use The Advanced Feature If it's available try the advanced search page, it offers additional query types and sorting options.
- Don't Give Up ! Try another search site. Keep several bookmarked, and try out new ones.
- Save Pages Keep track of the facts you need. Bookmark the pages, or copy them to your hard drive.
THE MAGIC OF LOGIC:
Be smart with your keywords. Keep them simple but specific. One of the most powerful things you can do is use Boolean logic. This works well because it is the logic that computers understand (And, Or, Not). This filters your search, making for less junk to sift through in your results.
Examples:
- AND (+) Will retrieve both sets of information specified. Peanut AND Butter would find all sites with both those words.
- OR (|) Will retrieve either sets of information as well as those containing both. Peanut OR Butter would find all sites containing either Peanut or Butter, but not necessarily both.
- NOT (-) Some sites will want you to use the AND NOT operator instead of just plain NOT. This will exclude specified information. Peanut NOT Butter would return sites that only contain Peanut.
- Use () to nest or group complex Boolean logic phrases. (Peanut AND Butter) AND (Jelly OR Jam) finds sites with the words 'peanut butter and jelly' or 'peanut butter and jam' or both.
SEARCH ENGINES/TOOLS:
Use some search engines right from my site. Then investigate other search engines and tools through the links.
Search Engines, Meta Search Engines, Tools, and Tips to help find what you're looking for on the Net.
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