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earching the web |
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They come in two basic varieties (though most search sites offer both methods). Both methods are explained and illustrated below using the example of trying to find the page for "Rolling Stone" magazine.
The first is a "directory" approach. In this you select a path to follow from the various options that you are offered. In looking for "Rolling Stone" you would probably select "Media" from the first listing, followed by "Magazines" from the more specific listing you are then offered. Further selections could possibly be "Music" and then "Rock".
Intuitively this is an easy method to follow but it does assume that they have not only got your chosen site listed, but also that they have classified it in the same was as you do!
The second method involves searching the internet for the terms you specify to the search engine. Any term you preceed by a "+" MUST be in the page, any preceeded by a "-" MUST NOT be in the page; all other terms just give the engine clues as to what you are probably interested in. Words may also be grouped into a "phrase" by using quotes. Results from such searches normally need to be refined by placing extra requirements. Examples are shown below:
| Search string: | Results |
| rolling stone | Any page which contains either (or both) words. (HUGE list!) |
| "rolling stone" | Any page which contains the phrase "rolling stone" |
| +"rolling stone" -stones +magazine -dylan | The extras mean that we miss any "rolling stones" or Bob Dylan sites (he had a "Like a rolling stone" track) and any results should contain the word "magazine". |
Note that different engines may interpret search strings in slightly different ways, but the above is a guide to the concept behind them.