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Finding, Not Searching: How to Use Search Engines Correctly

Do’s and Don’ts

  • Use Model numbers, software names, computer types etc

  • Use only the important information, let the search engine do the work
  • Remember that you probably aren’t the first person with your particular problem.
  • Stick to results on the first page.  If you’re searching correctly, anything past the first page is bad news.
  • Don’t use filler words
  • Don’t be ambiguous
  • Don’t give up

Final Thoughts

The search engine world can be quite an intimidating one; but using these tools and ideas, you can cut your searching time ten-fold.  Try not to get discouraged if your first search doesn’t yield the results you’re looking for.

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4 Comments... What's your say?

  1. Colin Dean May 20, 2011 at 10:49 am

    It’s worth noting that the major search engines and most real search engine softwares (e.g. UltraSeek, Vivisimo Velocity, et al.) are pretty good at filtering common words such as interrogatives (w5+h) and articles, so it’s also feasible simply to write a question deliberately. E.g., “How much does the sun weigh?” or “How can I find government benefit programs?” Curated search engines such as Wolfram Alpha and DuckDuckGo might even be able to present an exact answer based on your choice of interrogative word and non-junk terms.

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