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What You Need to Know About Searching The Web


There are many ways to search for information on the Web. One person may conduct a broad search on a subject that produces a large and varied selection of websites on a results page. Alternatively, another person may opt for a search of the Web that brings forth a smaller number of websites that are directly related to a specific subject. Four of the most effective methods to conduct a search of the Web are: a search engine, a meta search engine, a subject guide, and a subject directory. Discover some of their individual characteristics and choose the best for your research needs.

 

Search Engines (Google, Yahoo, Ask, MSN)

  • When one word is entered into a search engine it often brings forth millions of websites on several results pages.
  • A collection of basic search engine results often includes redundant websites within its pages.
  • When gathering information with a search engine, a results page will offer a wide variety of websites each offering a different amount of information on the subject you are researching.
 

Meta Search Engines (Dogpile, Mamma, Search)

  • The meta search engine sifts through a vast number of websites and presents only the ones that will be most helpful to you.
  • A meta search engine will generally offer fewer results pages than a single search engine. However, those results will be more tailored to the subject matter you are researching.
  • A meta search engine offers its users the opportunity to make further specifications regarding subject matter before beginning its search for pertinent websites.
 

Subject Guides (About, WWW Virtual Library)

  • A subject guide has a list of themes or areas of interest that a user can choose from in order to narrow his or her search right from the beginning.
  • A subject guide provides a wide variety of information that is explained in a thorough way.
  • Many times along with a detailed explanation of your theme of interest, a subject guide will offer further resources to consult on the Web.
  • Subject guides are often hand-picked by professionals who have extensive knowledge on the topic at hand.
 

Subject Directories (Yahoo Directory, Google Directory, dmoz)

  • A web directory makes a search for information more effective by narrowing down the specific subject area you want to learn about before beginning its search.
  • A web directory offers a user the option of traveling directly to a specific website that relates to your topic through a link.
  • In many web directories the types subject matter are divided into sub categories in order to pinpoint the direction of a search. This organizational tool saves time and makes each search a more efficient one.
 
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These Web search methods combined with today's convenience of High Speed Internet make it easier than ever to locate information. No matter what search method suits your needs, the doors to vast resources of information can be open to you within seconds.