A comprehensive guide to online search
Summary Information
- Understanding Search Engines
- What is a Search Engine? A software system designed to search for information on the World Wide Web.
- Popular Search Engines: Google, Bing, Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Search Engines
- Basic Search Techniques
- Use Keywords: Start with the main words related to your topic.
- Phrase Search: Use quotes ("") to search for an exact phrase.
- Exclude Words: Use the minus (-) sign before a word to exclude it from the search results.
- Advanced Search Techniques
- Site-Specific Search: Use site: followed by a domain to search within a specific website.
- Related Sites: Use related: to find sites similar to a specified site.
- File Type Search: Use filetype: to search for specific file types, like PDF or DOC.
- Search Operators
- AND: Ensures both terms appear in the result.
- OR: Ensures either of the terms appear in the result.
- NOT: Excludes a term from the search.
- Evaluating Search Results
- Check the Domain: Trusted domains like .edu, .gov, or well-known organisations can be more reliable.
- Publication Date: Recent information might be more relevant for certain topics.
- Author Credentials: Check the author's qualifications and background.
- Safety and Privacy
- Use Private Browsing: This mode doesn't store your browsing history, cookies, or search queries.
- Consider Using Privacy-focused Search Engines: Such as DuckDuckGo.
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Look for HTTPS and trusted domains.
- Using Search Tools
- Time Range: Filter results by the date of publication.
- Search by Image: Use reverse image search to find the origin of an image.
- Location-Based Search: Filter results based on a specific region or country.
- Google Search Console
- Google Developer Search
- Google Search Basics
- Use Voice Searches & Actions
- Staying Updated
- Google Alerts: Set up alerts for specific keywords to get updates.
- RSS Feeds: Subscribe to websites to get the latest content.
- SEO - Search Engine Optimisation
How-to Guide: Using Search Engines (infographic)
Search engines are the gateways to the vast world of the internet. They help users find information, websites, images, videos, and more. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use search engines effectively:
Step 1: Choose a Search Engine
There are several search engines available, each with its unique features. Some of the most popular ones include Google, Bing, Yahoo!, DuckDuckGo, and Baidu.
Step 2: Access the Search Engine
Open your preferred web browser and type in the URL of the search engine or simply search for its name.
Step 3: Enter Your Query
In the search bar, type in your query. This could be a question, a phrase, or specific keywords related to what you’re looking for.
Step 4: Use Advanced Search Techniques (Optional)
- Phrase Search: If you’re looking for an exact phrase, enclose it in quotation marks. E.g., “ancient Egyptian art”.
- Exclude Words: Use a minus (-) sign before a word to exclude it from the search results. E.g., jaguar -car.
- Site-Specific Search: To search within a specific website, use
site:followed by the domain. E.g.,site:wikipedia.org pyramids.
Step 5: Review the Results
Browse through the search results to find the most relevant information. Click on the links to view the full content.
Step 6: Refine Your Search (If Needed)
If you’re not satisfied with the results, consider refining your search terms or using advanced search techniques.
Step 7: Stay Safe
Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Ensure the website you’re visiting has a secure connection (look for HTTPS in the URL).
