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This month I take over this column
from the able hands of Julie Moffett Czechowksi. I thought
I'd start with a review of search engines, those lovely sites
that search the 'Net for you, and the starting place for most
forays into cyberspace. Like most things on the Internet,
there are more search engines than you can shake a mouse at.
Here are just a few to give you an idea of the different strengths
and weaknesses of search engines...
YAHOO.COM: One of the originals.
It's great for broad searches, but not as good at finding
those obscure pages or articles you might want. Use it when
you are looking for general sites--like "historical costume".
ALTAVISTA.COM: Another oldy-but-goody.
This one can return an overwhelming amount of information,
so use it when you are searching for that obscure information
that requires a fine-tooth-comb search--like "medieval
kilt pins".
INFOSEEK.COM: Easy way to search
news, newsgroups, white pages (to find people), companies.
Not as useful for general web searches.
ABOUT.COM: The Mining Company's
search engine for their site (not a web search engine). Useful
if you are looking for a person to contact. Experts maintain
pages on their topics and frequently include links, references
and e-mail contact with the expert.
DOGPILE.COM: A search engine's
search engine. Searches numerous engines at once (it checked
out nine when I searched for "synopsis"). This is
a one-stop shopping kind of mega-search engine. This can be
good, but I find it overwhelming. I suggest you use it when
the more direct approach hasn't turned up anything useful.
Last, but not least, there are plenty
of sites that rate and review search engines. I used several
to glean the information for this article. My pick? SEARCHIQ.COM.
I found it using YAHOO.COM.
A word of caution: Beware. Search Engines
are seductive things, leading you down paths heretofore unknown,
in search of trivia you didn't know you were interested in.
Try to stay focused on what you are searching for.
What do you want to now about
the Internet? Do you need info on how to choose an Internet
provider? Do you want a list of cool sites? Do you want "How
to's"? In depth info on Internet related subjects? Send
me topics you are interested in and I'll see what I can dig
up. I love an excuse to go surfing! Contact me at Laurin@wittig.com.
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