1. Understand Internet Search Tools

2. How big is the World Wide Web?
No one really knows, but we do know that we rely upon search tools to help us find information on the Web.
Internet Search Tools

3. Two Categories of Search Tools
Search Engines
Individual search engine
Meta-search engine
Subject Directories
Internet Search Tools

4. Individual Search Engines
Individual search engines use computer programs called “spiders” to match key search words with the web pages that contain them.
Returns a large volume of results
Information is not filtered for validity, authenticity, or adult content
Results are returned in the form of links to sites that match terms used in the search
Internet Search Tools

5. Take a look at search engines
Internet Search Tools

6. Meta-search Engines
Meta-search engines send requests for information to several search engines simultaneously and compile the results.
Duplicates are eliminated, thus yielding fewer results
Google Custom Search Engine allows the user to select which search engines will be used
Internet Search Tools

7. Take a look at meta-search engines
Internet Search Tools

8. Subject Directories
Developed and maintained by humans to search broad subject categories and their descriptions.
More reliable than search engines
Provides broad categories of information that allows users to drill down and narrow search results
Internet Search Tools

9. Subject Directories (Continued)
Often used in research by government agencies, medical industries, and educational institutions
May be referred to as research databases or searchable databases
Results may include non-HTML formats, such as PowerPoints, PDF documents, script, and photographs
Internet Search Tools

10. Take a look at subject directories
Follow the web links
Internet Search Tools