Using the web: search engines, directories and safety

Guest Author:  Adrian Adams

This guide to using the web will cover how to do basic searches, use directories and portals, and protect your safety on-line.

When you're on the Internet, you may want to find information or a particular website but not know the site's name or where to look. That's when search engines can help. Search engines will help you find the pages that you want.

Searching the Internet is easy to do. Just choose a search engine, type in what you're looking for, and hit the 'Submit' button. But getting good results is the hard part!

There are billions of pages on the Internet, so it's easy to be frustrated by search results that turn up pages you don't want. There are a few 'advanced' tips that you can use to get better search results:

First, avoid using common words. Most search engines won't even include words like 'the' or 'a' in their search, so it's best to leave them out. Second, keep it short. Don't write out full sentences or questions. Just use the 'key words.' So, if you want to know where you can find a mechanic in Seattle ' try searching for 'mechanic Seattle.'

Another neat trick is using simple arithmetic. Say you want to find a mechanic in Seattle, but you only want motorcycle mechanics. Try typing in 'mechanic Seattle +motorcycles'. By putting a plus symbol you are telling the search engine to only include results that include the term 'motorcycles.' If you want to leave out results that include the word 'motorcycles,' just use a minus symbol, so 'mechanic Seattle -motorcycles.'

If you're searching for something very specific like a quote or a business name, try putting quote symbols around it so the search engine will look for that exact phrase. This is very helpful if what you're looking for has many common words, like 'I am what I am' or 'to be or not to be.' Happy searching and good luck!

Next, we'll be learning about directories and portals and protecting your safety on the Internet.

Now that you've mastered the search, you can make your life even easier by letting someone else do the work for you ' directories and portals.

Directories and portals are sort of a simpler form of search engine. A directory divides items and information into categories to make it easier to find. A portal does the same thing, but it will often display feature items or news stories that it thinks may interest you. Most directories and portals are sorted by topic. If you want information on 'cruises,' just look under their 'Travel' category and you'll find it!

The Internet is a great tool. There are many benefits to using the Internet, but there are also risks. These risks include contracting computer 'viruses' that can harm your computer and having your personal information fall into the wrong hands. Here are some tips for avoiding both these problems:

First - computer viruses: computer viruses are small pieces of software and like real viruses, they spread from one computer to another. They can cause your computer to malfunction or work very slowly. The best defense against computer viruses is installing up-to-date anti-virus software. Other defenses include not opening email attachments unless you are expecting a file, and not downloading any files from the Internet unless you trust the source.

Second - keeping your personal information safe: the best way to do this is to keep your personal information private. Never give out passwords or information to people or websites that aren't safe and trusted. Keep your credit card and banking information as protected as you would in real life. It's okay to shop on-line, but do so at sites that have privacy and security policies.

The Internet is an amazing resource. Whether you're buying the latest bestseller, sending emails to your family, getting local movie times or researching ' it can all be done quickly on-line. But, it's important to stay safe and, of course, have fun!

About the Author:

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