Web Search Engines

Web Search Engines

(updated September 30, 1997)

Search Tips

1. Use exact phrase

Place words/phrases in double quotes. e.g., "international advertising", "New York Times"

2. Search under subject headings

To find information about a company, search under the "business" category or a company search engine such as Hoover's Online. To find a school, search under the "education" category. If category is unclear, don't search under subject heading.

3. Vary your keywords

For example, to find information about the Nike brand, try several different keywords from very narrow "Nike athletic shoes" to broader,"Nike" and even as broad as "sports sponsorship."

4.Use the "modify" or "advanced search" option of the search engine to refine your search.

5.Avoid choosing the "all the words" or "any of the words" options unless your words are very specific such as "Nicaragua."

6.Use lowercase letters except proper names.

The search engines will be case sensitive if you use upper and lower case or capitalized letters.

Searcher Guide

Search Engine Watch

A Tutorial on Searching Information on the Net


Search Engines


(Find people, telephone & address)

(Find population of cities, zipcode, and distance)


Metasearch tools

Updated: September 09, 1997
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