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  |  Community  |  Computer Tips  |  Searching the Web:
How can I make the process more efficient?
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Searching the Web:
How can I make the process more efficient?


question
'I'm a journalist and I spend a lot of time searching for various types of information on the Web. How can I save time by speeding up my Web searches?'
iVillager AngelBryant

answer
One of the most important keys to speed is accuracy. Improving the efficiency with which you query the available search engines is one of the most effective ways of speeding up your searches.

But there are a few other ways of speeding up your Web searches. Here's how:

  • Don't use your browser search button to raise a search form. Browsers like Netscape and Explorer have search buttons on their tool bars which link to the Netscape and Microsoft servers respectively. Either server simply sends your search string back out to the real search engines, thereby making the entire process unnecessarily slow. Instead, access the search engine of your choice via its URL.

  • Use a search engine or directory that specialises in a niche subject. This improves your chances of finding what you need in much less time. As most of these resources are edited by humans, you're much less likely to waste time wading through tonnes of irrelevant information.

    • For example, Biocrawler: http://www.biocrawler.com is a directory and search engine for biological information that's maintained by German company, BioFacts. Searchgate: www.searchgate.co.uk is a UK-specific educational resource for study information, courses, recreation, jobs and careers. Search Engine Guide: www.searchengineguide.com is a good place to find specialist search engines. The site currently features a list of 3558 search engines divided into subject directories.
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