Searching Tips
General Information
Search Engines Search engines are data bases designed to index the World Wide
Web and other parts of the Internet, such as Gopher and FTP sites and even email
addresses. There are dozens of search engines, and more a coming on line. The
use of keywords is common to all search engines, although in addition, some
provide thematic or topic categories for selection. Search engine databases
are compiled by two methods the majority rely on the creators of Internet sites
submitting their work for indexing. In some instances the sites are vetted before
inclusion in the database. Some search engines automatically 'crawl' throughout
the Web looking for sites not yet indexed. No single index covers all sites.
It is therefore appropriate to use more than one search engine to achieve the
best results. Keywords are handled in different ways, final rankings are calculated
by various methods and the accuracy of searches are influenced by syntax rules
employed by the search engine. Generally each search engine will have a guide
to its own syntax rules and use where appropriate. Many of the search engines
now employ onscreen menus and check boxes to configure the search. Once the
information is onscreen: Scan the page to assess its worth. If the page appears
to be relevant, bookmark or hotlist it using your browser. Use the 'find' feature
of your browser to locate keywords in the text of the document, check its context
for relevance. If only sections of the page are relevant, cut and paste these
into a text file and save them for further use. If the whole page is useful,
us the 'Save As.." command - regard copyright considerations. Graphics must
be saved independently. If the page is moderately useful, bookmark or hotlist
it for later detailed assessment. (remember to note the details of URLs for
citation purposes) Validity of Websites It is important to use strategies to
avoid problems with the authenticity and accuracy of information. Data and information
are not the same. Data are individual facts, seemingly unrelatd, often individually
meaningless pieces of data must be carefully linked and assembled in order to
form information that has some useful purpose. Synthesising leads from possessing
the data and information through to gaining knowledge
