Michael's  
  
Internet  
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Tech,  
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Quick Links

1. Introduction
2. Annotated list of recommended search sites
3. Why you need a Search strategy
4. Learn your Search syntax
5. Web site search engines, your bookmarks, and your browser history as tools
6. HIT smarts - how to best process the 'hits' list

7. Search trivia, evolving technology, bedtime reading
   Trivia
   New search technology
   Additional reading
    

Search trivia

Let's not get too serious about all this search stuff. Searching can be a lot of fun.

• Did you know that you can bookmark a search query? Try it! Do a search, then bookmark the 'results' page.
• Lycos -- What with the black Labrador retriever? The site was originally noted after a spider..

Executive search

I'm sure there are those of you who think this whole search thing with search strategies, search syntax, and different search engines is just too much to remember. Maybe you executive wannabe's want an "executive" search engine. Why not have your butler do it for you.... Ask Jeeves..

The Web has an abundance of information but it you want to tap into what is really going on you need to look at the USENET. Remember the Web has authored pages. Search the USENET for daily E-mail discussions.

Ever wonder how other people search for?

• What are to most frequently use search terms? searchterms.com has to top 100 search terms. caution: Parental discretion advised!

Meet your neighbors

• What about that scrap of paper with only a phone number on it. With reverse lookup you can find out about its owner and their neighbors (click on the street name).

More

• More search engines facts & fun.

• For a daily searching tip, select the 'Dummies Daily - Searching the Web' option at Dummies Daily.

Evolving search technology

Do you feel better about your understanding of Internet searching? Don't get too comfortable. Almost every day new twists are coming out that improve our ability to search for what we want.

Here are just a few of the 'new' techniques on the horizon.

1. What's Related: Appeared first under its own name of Alexa. Now bundled into Netscape 4.5 and the latest Internet Explorer. Based on the site you are now visiting and a custom data base (maintained by your favorite browser manufacturer), Alexa suggests other sites of possible interest.

2. Ask Jeeves: While I joked about the 'executive' search tool above, this technology provides web site searching based on questions. Still young, but remember Star Trek? Coupled with voice input.... "Computer, synthesize Web information sources on electronic document strategies..."

3. HotBot: All forms-based - no Boolean. Porno filter, case-sensitive, stemming, wild cards, personal page filter, one result per site, etc. ...HotBot details.

4. Weighted-link ranking: Google

Search references: Bedtime reading....

Most of what you need to know about searching on the Web is already on the Web, you just need to know where to look for it. The sites below offer you some of the most helpful information I've found.

For everyone:

Bare Bones 101: A Basic Tutorial on Searching the Web
(http://www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/bones.html) A multi lesson basic course assembled by the University of South Carolina Beaufort Library. If you only have time for one page, then Lesson #7: Basic Search Tips is a must.

Searching beyond Google and Yahoo: nine online search engines compared
(http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10572_7-6219242-1.html)

Searching the Web Effectively
(http://www.ala.org/ICONN/coursedes.html#searching) (an E-mail course)

Searching is My Business: A Gumshoe's Guide to the Web
(http://www.pcworld.com/software/internet_www/articles/dec96/1412p182a.html)

The Spider's Apprentice
(http://www.monash.com/spidap.html)

The Search Is Over
(http://www.zdnet.com/pccomp/features/fea1096/sub2.html)

The Searching the Internet
(http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/scout/toolkit/searching/index.html)

For serious searchers, researchers, and webmasters:

Search Engine Watch: Search Engine News, Search Engine Tips...
(http://www.searchenginewatch.com/)

Understanding and Comparing Search Engines
(http://web.hamline.edu/administration/libraries/search/comparisons.html)

Don't be shy, even if all you say is "Hi!".