Searching for the Web Answers

               

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Searching for a specific topic on the web can be achieved in several ways; both directly and circuitously. If the exact web page (URL) is known, it can simply be entered into the browser’s address box. If that isn't known, a search query can be performed by entering key specific words into the brower’s search text box.

                The more explicit words utilized, or the use of quotations to join words, the closer the web results will be. A targeted search with distinct key words will provide more focused results, whereas an open-ended search with general wording will provide a broad scope of web results. The best thing to do is to definitively target the desired information.

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                Beyond the initial appearance, there are things to consider when choosing your web sources to insure finding the best possible information. According to Dr. Robert Harris, retired professor of the University of California, the first step in obtaining reliable information is to determine "What source or what kind of source would be the most credible for providing information in this particular case?"(Harris) The credibility of a website must be determined before accepting its information. Can its material be authorized? What is the quality of its content, and does it seem to cover the material completely, and impartially?

                The utilization of search tools such as Directories and Search Engines can help to hone in on the precise subject you wish to view. Directories gather relevant information and organize it in an assentative fashion. In this method, there is a visible trail to follow as you make your way through varies subcategories.

                A search engine works in relatively the same way. Engines like Google search the internet and index key words to web pages. They amass this index so that as similar key words are sought by users, the search engine can refer the web pages they were found upon.

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                For the purpose of searching several search engines at once, a Megasearch Engine can be used. At present,Search Engine Watch deems the most popular to be Dogpile.  These specialized search engines examine several engines, directories and specialty search sites to provide an accumulated list for the user based upon the requested information.  However, many of these metasearch engines are heavily influenced with sponsorship, and thus will not always recommend the best site first.

Harris, Robert. "Evaluating Internet Research Sources." VirtualSalt. 15 June 2008.  Web.  22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm>.

Sherman, Chris.  “Metacrawlers and Metasearch Engines.” Search Engine Watch. 22 March 2005. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. http://searchenginewatch.com/article/2066974/Metacrawlers-and-Metasearch-Engines

Shelly, Gary B., and Jennifer T. Campbell, Discovering the Internet: Complete, Fourth Edition.  Boston: Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.