|
|
Home 
Featured Discussion
Online Resources
Search Engines: How to find what you're looking for...
Search Engines
How to find what you're looking for....
There is a vast amount of knowledge on the internet. Millions of websites, discussing millions of subjects, with millions more bits and pieces of information being added every day. You can find amusements such as jokes and games. You can learn about everything from rockets and giraffes to lawnmower engines and moon phases. You can give and receive support through chat rooms, message boards and e-greetings. You can shop for food, clothing and shelter. You can check interest rates, movie listings and horoscopes. And maybe, most importantly, you can empower yourself with the knowledge to make educated decisions regarding your personal healthcare.
But how in the world do you find that one piece of information amoungst those pages and pages of websites? We're going to show you how...
First you need to find a good search engine. I have very good luck when using Google.com. There are many more you can try, such as:
Yahoo
Excite
MSN Search (Microsoft)
Ask Jeeves
LookSmart
AltaVista
AOL Search
HotBot
AltaVista.com
Once you find a search engine it's time to actually try to track down some information. I find get my best results by keeping my search phrases simple - using one or two keywords. (Unless, of course, you're using "Ask Jeeves", which happens to be a search engine that works more like a real person. You simply ask Jeeves (see where the name comes from?) a question, and he finds you an answer.)
If I'm looking for foods one should avoid if they have gout, I will type in the words "gout diet" and hit search. This will give you more websites than you could sift through in one night, which is fine for me because I like to dig. If you want to be more specific with a search and narrow the results, there are a few variations for entering your search criteria.
- You can use apostrophes ("diet gout") when you want the search engine to only give you pages that have your phrase exactly as you have it typed.
- You can also use plus signs (+) to narrow your search (+diet+gout+food) to find pages that contain all of the words you entered, but in any order.
- You can use minus signs (-) to disqualify pages (the phrase gout-diet would find information about gout that does not discuss diet)
- Once you've mastered these techniques - you can combine them to be even more specific. (gout-treatment+diet+food)
Once you find a website that covers the particular subject you're looking for, many search engines have an option that enables you to refine your search even more and narrow it down to pages that are "related". There should be a button or hyperlink near the listing where you found your information that says "find related sites" (or something to that effect) go ahead and click it and you'll get a new list of websites that should be even closer to your subject.
I know this can seem overwhelming at first, but the more you use a search engine, the easier it will be for you to track down the information you're looking for. And for heaven's sake, don't be afraid to dig for the information you're trying to find. Sometimes, especially with medical information, you have to really sort through alot of sites before you find a lesser known disease or a new medication or treatment.
If you'd like to learn more about search engines, I came across a great website with tutorials and tips - try Search Engine Watch and you'll be surfing the net at an amazing speed before you know it!
Sources:
Google.com
Search Engine Watch
|
|
