If you’re like me you have a limited amount of time for everything you do these days. That’s why I do about 75% or more of the research for my books online. From my setting to that certain poison my killer uses, there isn’t much you can’t find out there on the information super highway. In this article, I’ll focus on the main search engines to use and the ones that you should avoid while doing internet research.
First, if you’re new to the net you need to be sure you know the main ‘search’ engines. Here’s a brief list:
Google
MSN
Yahoo!
Lycos
AltaVista
Excite
Ask Jeeves
CNN Search
WhatUSeek
TekCenter
You can always use the search provided by your internet provider, as well. Providers such as Bellsouth.net and Charter.net have a search box on their home pages. These are your best options for more accurate searches. They also purport that they have ‘worms’ that slither across the web to make sure sites listed in their directories are up-to-date.
However, places like DogPile—which are termed multi-search engine searchers—should probably be avoided. These sites utilize a theory that they will link to and search the best known engines (like Google.com and WhatUSeek.com). Be wary of these. Recent studies show that these are not the most accurate way to gather needed information. They often say they’re searching multiple sites, but when tested they don’t retrieve hits on even basic words that are known to bring up a ton of hits if you searched using the search sites individually.
Then you have places like NorthernLight.com that provide separate engines for searching different types of things. For instance, Northern has a Business Research Engine, News Engine, Enterprise Search Engine, and the like. These help to narrow the results of your research and make sure you’re able to find what you’re looking for. From what I’ve found, these aren’t necessarily any better than using Google.com.
If you’re still having trouble sifting through the many engines available to you, there are places out there like Search Engine Showdown that will aid you in knowing which of the “major” engines are best and how to use them.
Now, next time you need that bit of information to make your story more believable go out there and don’t let the massive web wear you down!
