Searching the web has been proven to be more effective than just “browsing” or “surfing” the web.  There are a million different ways to search the web, however there are tools and tricks to be more efficient at searching which can yield better search results. Search engines are used to help users surf the web. I recommend that everyone explore different search engines. Search engines are all set up a little different to meet different needs of its users. Some of the more common search engines include Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and MSN. I personally use Google because I find it to be very refined and simple. Another helpful strategy to help someone search is to use the Boolean search phrases and words. Most search engines support Boolean search inputs and can help the searcher refine their search and sort out the unwanted junk that might come up. Some words which can be used to refine a search include the words “and”, “or”, and “not”. When searching for two different things at the same time, a searcher can use the word “and” in the search engine which will narrow results to pages which include both words searched. Other symbols which can be used to refine a search include the “+” and “-“symbols. Often times searching the web can be frustrating because a lot of unwanted pages will pop up when trying to find something. Here is a link with some useful tips on how to search better to save time and sort through the “crap”.

Some more info in searching tips can be found here

http://www.learnwebskills.com/search/