Search Engines

by Bruce Grossan (bruce@singu.lbl.gov)
February 21, 1997

Today, in the S.F. Bay area and in Silicon Valley, you are "hip" and "in" depending on which World Wide Web search engine you use, and the "hippest" one seems to change weekly. Those of us who have to get real work done using these engines just want to know which ones should we use when, and what we should know about how they work. Unlike the hype-filled articles commonly seen on the lay press, this article attempts to answer these questions based on facts.

First, some background is given, then there is a section on how search engines work (including hints on how to get your site found). Finally, some search examples are given to illustrate which engine performs the best, and how you can get the most out of search engines. You won't find why one page is more "cool" than another, and you won't find out what impressive hardware some company has. I give just a few useful hints and examples for the average Joe Web User, who wants to find information fast, so they can leave work sooner.

Contents

I. Background - A History of Finding Information on the Internet

II. How Search Engines Work, and How to Take Advantage of it

Get More Hits By Understanding Search Engines

III. Getting the Most Out of Search Engines and Related Services

Which Search Page Should I Use When?
Useful Non-Search Goodies
Useful Search Features
Test Results

IV.Conclusions

References, Hyper-References, and Recommended Reading