What Are Search Sites and Search Engines?
Without search sites it would be difficult to find things on the
web. The search sites and engines provide a website that can be reached
by typing the web address into a web browser, and then the site will
allow you to search the web for any other website you are looking for.
To use search sites you typically type the keyword(s) of what you're
looking for into a blank box. You are then given a list of results, or
"hits" that match your keywords. When you use a search engine on the
web, the results are presented to you as links.
Some search boxes found on a website may only search that particular
website (such as a search box on The Resource Center website), others
will search the web, and some offer both options.
Types of Search Sites
There are basically three types of search sites:
A directory is a search site that organizes web sites by subject
with more specific topics listed as you click further into the
directory listing. Directories also differ from search engines in that
directories are categorized by humans.
Search engines are automated, using special software, called
spiders, to collect their results. As in the case of the Google search
engine, the results are weighted depending on other criteria that helps
the most relevant results come to the top of the list.
Metasearch sites search a collection of other search sites, bringing results from multiple search engines together at one time.
There are also special-purpose sites and specialty searchable databases, some of which charge service fees.
Purpose of Different Types
|
Type |
What it does |
Examples |
Why Use | |
Search Engine |
Compiles database of web pages from the web; Searches its database based on defined criteria; Entirely computer-driven |
Google
Altavista
Alltheweb.com |
To search as much of the web as possible; To locate an obscure or personal site | |
Directory |
Organizes by subject;
Categorized by humans |
dmoz
Librarian's Index
Yahoo |
To search as much of the web as possible; To locate an obscure or personal site | |
Metasearch |
Does not compile its own database; Searches multiple search engines simultaneously |
Dogpile
Search.com
Mamma.com |
To search a variety of engines and pool the results | |
Specialty Databases |
Searches for information that is strictly contained within a specific website or database |
The Resource Center Search
| To confine your search to your specific needs |
Tip
Learn to use one to two search engines well. Explore the advanced
search and special search features available on every search site. Look
for the search site's "search tips" link for detailed information. |
