Search the internet

Search tools

 Search Engines

• Internet search engines are automated databases of words, compiled by computer programs which seek out and index webpage content.

• Search engine results give "quantity" rather than "quality". They do not differentiate between good and bad sites.

• Each search engine has different strengths and features. Some search for specific media such as music, images or blogs (web logs).

 Meta search engines

Meta searches save you time by sending your query to other search engines and returning a selection of the best results each of them have to offer.

Cluster

Directories

• A directory places similar sites into subject categories.

• Find sites by browsing relevant categories.

• Unlike a search engine, sites are reviewed and editted before being included. Information from a directory is usually more accurate and useful.

• A directory is large for a subject index but it does not have anywhere near the number of sites of search engines.