Introduction to Searching on the Internet

1
Introduction to Searching on the Internet

• How to Find the Information
• You Want on the
• World Wide Web
• Staff
• Plymouth District Library
• 2003

2
Course Objectives

• Using search tools when you dont have an address
  
• Search Engines
• Subject Directories

• Define terms.
• Using the browser software
• How to find information when you have a web
  address

3
Define Terms

• The Internet is a network of networks based on
  logical one-to-one linking of computers via
  TCP/IP protocol software. It extends throughout
  the world.
• taken from the internet trainers guide
• The World Wide Web is a part of the
  Internet. It is a special connection that allows
  people to take advantage of the multimedia
  aspects of Internet information such as graphics,
  sound and video.

4
What Is a Web Browser ?

• A web browser is a software program, such as
  Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet
  Explorer, which is installed on your computer so
  you can view the information stored on the W.W.W.
• Includes an assortment of tools which help
  manipulate information and organize sites.
  (bookmarks, printing and saving to disk)

5
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Use pull down File menu For Print Preview.
Save frequently used web sites in Favorites.
Location Bar
Slide Bar Move this Bar up down to show
the entire page.
6
What Is a URL ?

• Each page on the Web has a unique address called
  a Uniform Resource Locator. There are distinct
  parts in the addresses
• i.e. http//www.clickondetroit.com
• http// tells you that it is a Web server which
  holds the document you are looking for.
• www.clickondetroit is an example of the actual
  location of page.
• .com tells us that it is a commercial enterprise
  (There are many other primary domains. Common
  examples .edu is educational .lib is library
  .org is an organization .gov is a governmental
  agency)

7
What Is a Search Engine ?

• A search engine is a database of existing web
  pages compiled by a company or an organization.
• The user enters a key word or phrase in a search
  window. A computer searches through the indexes
  for mention of that key word displays a list
  of matching sites in order of relevance.
• Search engines are computer driven no human
  input.
• None index EVERY page on the net !
• Check the help screens for more information on a
  particular search engine.

8
Search Engines - Alta Vista

• Alta Vista - Indexes over 250 million pages
• Has both simple and advanced search options.
• May limit searching to a particular language
• Has an instant translator for foreign language
  web sites.
• A/V Family Filter will filter all searches until
  it is turned off.
• www.altavista.com

9
Search Engines - Google

• Google Now claims to index over 3 billion web
  pages.
• Use either Search Google or Im feeling lucky
  for their top choice as your most relevant match.
• May search only images or use Googles subject
  directory
• www.google.com.

10
Search Engines - Hotbot

• Hotbot - Indexes over 1 billion web sites.
• User may limit search by timeliness and by domain
  type as well as location.
• May specify if sites must include multimedia such
  as audio or video.
• www.hotbot.lycos.com.

11
What Is a Subject Directory?

• A Subject Directory on the Web broadly classifies
  web sites according to related areas such as art,
  business, health etc.
• Ideal for browsing by topic.
• Arranged very much like the Librarys Dewey
  Decimal System!
• May have searching capabilities within the
  directory.
• Has human intervention! Most have subject
  editors who select web pages for inclusion.

12
Subject Directory - Yahoo!

• Yahoo! -Most popular search tool on the web.
• Divides web sites into 14 subject categories.
  These are further subdivided into more narrow
  areas. 150 subject editors view pages to
  include.
• Has a subject index and searching tool.
• Searches only pages listed in its subject index -
  approx. 1 million pages.
• www.yahoo.com

13
Subject Directories - MEL

• Michigan Electronic Library- MEL for short!
• Internationally recognized site for organizing
  worthwhile web sites .
• Directories done by librarians with subject
  expertise in those fields.
• Best spot for information dealing with Michigan.
• mel.org

14
Plymouth District LibraryInternet Access Policy

• Patrons may use Internet computers for a period
  of one hour. Machines are located on lower floor.
  Stop at Machine Assistance Desk for time card.
• The Library's Internet computers may not be used
  for any unlawful or improper activities
  prohibited under local, state or federal laws.
• No chat sessions or Usenet group sessions.
• All children under 8 must be accompanied by a
  parent or guardian.
• Library staff provides limited assistance for
  basic start-up procedures.
• Because Internet workstations are located in a
  public area which is shared by patrons of all
  ages and backgrounds, individuals are asked to
  consider this when accessing potentially
  controversial information.
• Failure to abide by guidelines may result in
  suspension of privileges.
• Please pick up a new copy of the Internet Policy
  prior to using the computers for the first time.