Using Internet Search Engines

The Web is a wonderful resource for finding information on virtually any topic. But where do you begin? Search engines and directories are two good places to start.

Search Engines

A search engine is a program that catalogs Web sites based on the words it finds on each page of the site. These programs:

• Are Automated
• Rank search results based on the number of times a search word or phrase is found on a page, compared with the overall number of words on the page.

Directories

Directories are more specialized than search engines. Rather than relying on technology to catalog sites, most directories are maintained by people who:

• Go out and view sites which have been submitted
• Catalog them based on where the reviewer feels they fit

Searches often produce fewer matches, but the results tend to be more relevant than those produced by an automated search engine. Often, a search using both a favorite search engine and a favorite directory will produce the best results.

Built-in Search Features

Both Netscape and Internet Explorer have built-in search capabilities. However, these resources can be somewhat limiting.

Rather than relying on your browser's Search button, it is recommended that you visit a number of different search engines and directories to try them out. That way, you can take better advantage of all of the resources each has to offer.