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A search engine is a program designed to help Internet users locate information on the World Wide Web. It collects and indexes Internet resources (web pages, newsgroups, programs, images, etc. ) and provides a keyword search allowing the user to identify and retrieve resources. There are many search engines available and each is different in their scope, search protocols, and appearance.
If none of those words mean anything to you, just think, "it's a collection of all the stuff on the Net" and you won't be too far off. Because the Internet is so tremendously huge and totally unorganized, search engines are necessary. Each of the search engines listed below comes with strengths and weaknesses. You'll end up finding one that you like the best.
Pick an Engine
Choose a search engine from the list below. If you have a favorite, use that instead. If you're new to searching, try "Google." There are lots of great internet articles and web sites out there to help you decide which engine to use and when. You might want to look some of the articles on Search Engine Watch or skim Debbie Abilock's Noodle Tools Choose a Search Engine.
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http://lii.org
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Librarians' Index to the Internet
lii.org offers two services: a searchable collection of over 16,000 high-quality websites and a weekly newsletter. See also Recommended Search Tools: a nice meta-search page with all the major players listed in one place. |
From Search Engine Watch Top Choices (2004) |
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http://www.google.com
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Google: Lovely, simple interface. There's more here than just a search engine too. You can also find: Maps, a Research Forum, Catalogs, discussion groups, Image Search, Google Labs (prototypes and projects in development by Google engineers), Web Directory, and more. |
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http://www.alltheweb.com
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AllTheWeb.com (FAST): Nice, clean interface. In addition to web page results, provides the ability to search for news stories, pictures, video clips, MP3s and FTP files. |
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http://www.yahoo.com
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Yahoo: Busy interface! Launched in 1994, Yahoo is the web's oldest "directory." If you prefer the older, cleaner directory interface which is organized by humans? Try the orginal Yahoo! Directory. |
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http://search.msn.com
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MSN Search: Editors monitor the most popular searches then hand-pick sites that are the most relevant. When appropriate, search results may also feature links to encyclopedia content from Microsoft Encarta or news headlines, at the top of the page. |
Search Terms:
Just about all the search engines are made so that everyday words can be used. Each search engine offers tips for their particular engine. If an engine's not working for you the way you think it should, try another! The main thing to remember in searching is:
"If at first you don't succeed, try try try ... a synonym."
In general, search engines will return any site that has any of your search terms. For example, a search using "cats dogs" will find all sites with cats PLUS all sites with dogs. Each search site has its own idiosyncrasies; so check out their search help. Try these guides to searching for more information:
Other Tips:
- Allow yourself plenty of time to search.
- Don't give up too soon.
- Try different, related search terms.
- If you're not having any luck, try a different search engine.
- If you start hitting the same site from different engines, you're probably finished.
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