Web Search Secrets

How do you begin to search the Web efficiently and effectively for the right information? Start with these dos and don'ts for scouring the Web.

Do use the most common words that describe your search.
Don't be afraid to type in keywords that come to mind.

Here are five tips to maximize your searches with Google.

Do what seems obvious first.
Don't be intimidated. Type in single or multiple keywords.
Don't bother with advanced search techniques, such as +, -, quotes, and so on, unless the most obvious keywords don't work.

Search for keywords

Do provide several keywords that you think will appear in the search result.
Don't format a query in the form of a question. For example, if you want to see Internet pages about parachuting safety tips, type in the words "parachuting safety" without including the words "pages" or "about."

Use quotes

Do use quotation marks to perform a phrase search. For example, to search for the book Wuthering Heights, use quotation marks around the entire title.

Read all about it

Do read the snippets. Most search engines offer summary text with each search result. Google calls the summary text a snippet. The snippets will help you save time and provide an idea of what the web page is about.
Do save time by picking out the best results from there.

Looks like, sounds like

Do try the Web Directory to search for a general topic and not a keyword.
Do try Similar Pages to find other pages related to your search.

- Article from TechTV.com