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Searching the Internet

Searching Tips

  • Read "Search tips" or "help" if offered at a particular site.   You may want to print these out to use as a quick reference.
  • Use Boolean search tools (AND, OR,  NOT, + , -, etc..) whenever possible.

   AND (+) -  only returns pages with both terms on them, this limits the search.

    OR-  returns every page with either term, this broadens the search.

    NOT (-) -   returns the pages with one and not the other term on them, this limits the search.

AltaVista

  • Use singular nouns rather than plural.  This will give you the greatest returns on your search.
  • For general words, use all lower-case.  Capitalize proper names.  
  • Make sure that all words are spelled correctly. 
  • If you enclose phrases in quotes, this may help limit your search.  Example: "Internet lessons" will only return documents in which this exact phrase appears, and not all documents in which either of the words "Internet" or "lessons" appears.      
  • Use the "*" operator for strings.  Examples: micro* matches microscope and microcomputer.

Always Remember

  • Use more specific Educational search engines when you want to find something that your students can use.
  • Use one or two search engines frequently as you get to know them well.  This will help you find your information efficiently.
  • Keep in mind that information found on the web is not always correct or valid.  Be sure to evaluate the site for credibility.

Where can I go for more information?

Search Engine Watch

http://www.searchenginewatch.com/

CINet: Search.com

http://search.cnet.com/

 
This page was updated on:  04/10/02