CLASS VI :
HOW TO USE SEARCH ENGINE WITH MORE DETAILED SEARCH
Did you hate memorizing seemingly insignificant facts for tests at school? No
photographic memory? Good news! Life is now an open-book exam — assuming you
have a computer, browser, and Internet access.
If you know how to use a good search engine, you don't have to stuff your
mind with facts that are useful only when playing Jeopardy! and Trivial Pursuit.
Chances are, you aren't the first person to run across the problem you are
experiencing. Chances are also good that an answer is awaiting your discovery on the
Internet — you just have to remove the irrelevant pages and the unhelpful/incorrect
results to find that needle in the haystack.
Google has been fanatical about speed. There is little doubt that it has built an
incredibly fast and thorough search engine.
Unfortunately, the human element of the Internet search equation is often
overlooked. These 10 tips are designed to improve that human element and better
your Internet search skills.
Tip #1: Fine-Tune Your Query with More Keywords
You search Google by constructing a
query composed of one or more keywords. The
keywords you enter are compared to Google's
index of web documents; the more keywords
found on a web page, the better the match.
It goes without saying that you should include
keywords that best describe what you're looking
for. That means you should use as many
keywords as you need—the more the better, in fact.
You see, one of the most common mistakes made by casual searchers is to use too
few keywords. These searchers don't enter enough information to adequately describe
what they're searching for.
You'll get better, more targeted results by using multiple keywords. The more
words you use, the better idea Google has of what you're looking for.
Think of it as describing something to a friend—the more descriptive you are
(that is, the more words you use), the better the picture your friend has of what you're
talking about.
Tip #2: Include Stop Words
Remember when I said you could improve the accuracy of a search by
including more keywords? That advice doesn't include small common words, such as
"and," "the," "where," "how," "what," and "or" (in all lowercase).
These are called stop words, and Google automatically ignores them when you
include them in a query. (For that matter, Google also ignores single digits and single
letters, such as the letter "a".)
When you include a stop word in a query, it does nothing but slow down the
search, which is why Google excises them. As an example, Google takes the query
how a transmission works, removes the words "how" and "a," and creates the new,
shorter query transmission works.
Tip #3: Use the minus operator (-) to narrow the search
How many times have you searched for a term and had the search engine
return something totally unexpected? Terms with multiple meanings can return a lot
of unwanted results.
The rarely used but powerful minus operator, equivalent to a Boolean NOT,
can remove many unwanted results.
For example, when searching for the insect caterpillar, references to the
company Caterpillar, Inc. will also be returned. Use Caterpillar -Inc to exclude
references to the company or Caterpillar -Inc -Cat to further refine the search.
Tip #4: Use quotation marks for exact phrases
I often remember parts of phrases I have seen on a Web page or part of a quotation I
want to track down. Using quotation marks around a phrase will return only those
exact words in that order.
It's one of the best ways to limit the pages returned. Example: "Be nice to
nerds". Of course, you must have the phrase exactly right — and if your memory is
as good as mine, that can be problematic.
Tip #5: Capitalization
Most search engines do not distinguish between uppercase and lowercase, even within
quotation marks. The following are all equivalent:

technology

Technology

TECHNOLOGY

"technology"

"Technology"
Tip #6: Customize your searches
There are several other less well known ways to limit the number of results returned
and reduce your search time:
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The plus operator (+): As mentioned above, stop words are typically ignored by
the search engine. The plus operator tells the search engine to include those
words in the result set. Example: tall +and short will return results that include
the word and.
The tilde operator (~): Include a tilde in front of a word to return results that
include synonyms. The tilde operator does not work well for all terms and
sometimes not at all. A search for ~CSS includes the synonym style and
returns fashion related style pages —not exactly what someone searching for
CSS wants. Examples: ~HTML to get results for HTML with synonyms; ~HTML HTML to get synonyms only for HTML.
The wildcard operator (*): Google calls it the fill in the blank operator. For
example, amusement * will return pages with amusement and any other term(s)
the Google search engine deems relevant. You can't use wildcards for parts of
words. So for example, amusement p* is invalid.
The OR operator (OR) or (|): Use this operator to return results with either of
two terms. For example happy joy will return pages with both happy and joy,
while happy | joy will return pages with either happy or joy.
Numeric ranges: You can refine searches that use numeric terms by returning a
specific range, but you must supply the unit of measurement. Examples:
Windows XP 2003..2005, PC $700 $800.
Site search: Many Web sites have their own site search feature, but you may
find that Google site search will return more pages. When doing research, it's
best to go directly to the source, and site search is a great way to do that.
Example: site:www.intel.com rapid storage technology.
Related sites: For example, related:www.youtube.com can be used to find sites
similar to YouTube.
Change your preferences: Search preferences can be set globally by clicking on
the gear icon in the upper-right corner and selecting Search Settings. I like to
change the Number Of Results option to 100 to reduce total search time.
Forums-only search: Under the Google logo on the left side of the search result
page, click More | Discussions or go to Google Groups. Forums are great places
to look for solutions to technical problems.
Advanced searches: Click the Advanced Search button by the search box on the
Google start or results page to refine your search by date, country, amount,
language, or other criteria.
Wonder Wheel: The Google Wonder Wheel can visually assist you as you
refine your search from general to specific.
Here's how to use this tool:
1. Click on More Search Tools | Wonder Wheel in the lower-left section of the
screen (Figure A) to load the Wonder Wheel page.
2. Click on dbms tutorial (Figure B).
Figure A
Figure B
As you can see in Figure C, Google now displays two wheels showing the DBMS
and dbms tutorial Wonder Wheels, with the results for dbms tutorial on the right side
of the page. You can continue drilling down the tree to further narrow your search.
Click the Close button at the top of the results to remove the Wonder Wheel(s).
Figure C
WHAT ARE HYPER LINKS AND HOW TO USE THEM?
Hyperlinks are the programmatic commands to 'jump-to-another-page' in your web
browser. Every web page is filled with dozens of hyperlinks, each sending
Hyperlinks are the programmatic commands to 'jump-to-another-page' in your
web browser.
Every web page is filled with dozens of hyperlinks, each sending you to some
related web page or picture/file. You'll know that something is a hyperlink when your
mouse pointer changes to a pointing finger. 99% of the time, hyperlinks appear as
images or as underlined words/phrase.
Sometimes, hyperlinks also take the shape of drop-down menus or tiny
animated movies or advertisements Clicking a hyperlink is all it takes to activate the
jump command.
When you click with the pointing finger mouse shape, the hyperlink
commands your web browser to load the target web page, ideally within seconds.
Hyperlink Tip: if you also hold CTRL while you click on a hyperlink, the target web
page will load into a separate tab page of your browser.
Underneath, the HTML programmatic code of a hyperlink looks like this:
<a href="http://www.about.com"> click here to visit About.com </a>
Which is HTML code for saying 'anchor hypertext reference'.
Indeed, hyperlinks are the very core of how the World Wide Web functions. Millions
of hyperlinks are how people jump and discover the massive content of the Web.
When to add in-text links
A link within the main content of a webpage (rather than as part of the navigation
framework), is referred to as an in-text link.
An in-text link should only be added when it supports a likely task, given the context
and content of the current webpage.
For example, in-text links may be appropriate when linking to:
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essential background/contextual information, or
references and definitions (similar in function to footnotes/endnotes).
HOW NETWORKS WORK?
A computer is essentially
self –sufficient. Many features
are available and almost any
software can run on the
computer. People, however are
interested not only in using
computer for personal needs,
they are also interested in using
it to communicate. So with this
idea, networks began.
To put it simply, a “network” is connection between two or more computers with the
purpose of sending or receiving information. It helps people in exchanging any data
that can be transmitted. In every field of life, the significance is immense.
Different ways to connect to a computer network
As we are in the 21st century our communication is highly dependent on the
computer. A PC can be linked to local area networks. Networks use a number of
different methods to send data from one computer or device to another.
There are different ways to sending data and they fall into two groups: there are those
that use wireless and those that do not.
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Wired connection – is used
for local area networks, in
these areas the computers a
linked to one another. A
network interface card (NIC)
is to be placed in a personal
computer for one to be able
to link it through the wires to
a local area network. The
common type of NIC is an
Ethernet card.
Wireless connections –
passes information without
the use of cables or wires.
Though it is not as efficient
as the cable it is very
convenient.
They
are
efficient when it comes to
mobile PC’s such as laptops,
they can be moved around
and still be connected to the
internet and for that they are
very popular.
Wireless networks normally use radio transmissions:
HOW INTERNET IS USEFUL IN VARIOUS FIELDS?
The Internet has revolutionized a whole range of fields and applications with a myriad
of possible uses. To list them all could possibly fill pages. Here are therefore just a
few of the main uses of the Internet in different fields.
Email and personal communication
Yup, one of the earliest functions of the Internet is still one of its most
popular. Many people on the Internet today use it to keep in touch with friends and
family.
Sending emails back and forth is the most common form of communication
(with email services like Gmail), but other people use the Internet to have phone calls
or video chats via certain programs like Skype.
Social networks and mass communication
One of the most popular new things to do on the Internet is to express oneself and
make new friends via social networks.
Sure, there are plenty of dating websites
around, but many of the most popular
social networks, like Facebook and
Twitter, are more general hang-out spots
where one can let the world know what
they're up to, and see what everyone else
is doing.
There are also forums and chat
rooms for having more in-depth
discussions, or web logs ("blogs") for
writing down -- and maybe even
broadcasting -- what you're thinking or feeling.
General research
We've compared the World Wide Web to a library before, and perhaps unsurprisingly,
that's how a lot of people use it.
Popular search engines like Google Search, Bing, and DuckDuckGo are used
by millions of people daily to find places to get information on certain topics. More
specialized sites can be used to find maps of places and driving directions, weather
forecasts, or health and medical information.
And, of course, the Internet is an invaluable tool for academics researching
their latest dissertation... or perhaps just a grade-schooler looking to finish their yearend project.
Information about hobbies and Interests
Needless to say, need-to-know info isn't
the only thing that people look for on the
Internet. There are plenty of websites
out there devoted to information about
popular pastimes, such as sports, books,
movies, TV, music, or video games.
Some games, shows, movies, bands,
books, or people even have entire
websites dedicated to them!
One might also use the Internet
to search for information on a certain
product or products that they want to
buy, and then make comparisons in
order to choose what's right for them.
News
One of the most notable features about the
Internet is its immediacy, both in terms of
how fast information is posted and spread,
and how soon it can be accessed.
Many people nowadays don't
bother to wait for the morning newspaper,
or for the evening news broadcast on their radio or TV.
They simply find a news site on the Internet and get the
day's top stories from there.
There are even some specialty news websites,
such as the Huffington Post or the Drudge Report, that
offer news relevant to specific audiences or from
certain perspectives.
Shopping
The Internet has made getting that musthave item more convenient than ever,
thanks to the rise of e-commerce websites
such as Amazon and eBay that ship
products right to one's doorstep. Some
people even make a living by making and
selling items on online marketplaces.
Another popular Internet use in this vein is for booking reservations, including for
restaurants, concerts, movies, or travel accommodations.
Watching videos or listening to music
Whether it's watching short, 30-second clips of something funny or cute, or
watching an entire movie or TV show episode, using video-streaming services such as
YouTube and Netflix has become an immensely popular pastime on the Internet.
In addition, many people now use Internet radio stations such as Rdio or
Spotify to quickly find a blend of music that they enjoy, instead of going up and down
the radio dial looking for a station with a specific music format.
Playing games
What would a great technological innovation like the Internet be if one couldn't have
fun with it? There are all sorts of games nowadays that make use of the Internet.
Some are simple games that can be played right in one's web browser.
Others, though, are sold in stores and use the Internet to connect multiple
players for a rich free-for-all, team battle, or even open-world experience.
There are even websites, such as Luminosity, that are dedicated to special
games that are designed to actually help your brain to function better!
Banking
Many people choose to forgo making it
out to the bank during operating hours
and manage their finances from the
comfort of their own home.
Of course, since there is a lot of
sensitive information involved, banks
use very tight security measures to make
sure all of their clients' assets are safe.
There are even programs for mobile devices now that allow one to deposit a
cheque just by taking a picture of it!
In addition, there are services such as PayPal that allow you to manage the
things that you pay for (or get paid for) online; it is often used in conjunction with
shopping websites.
Searching and applying for jobs
It's tough applying for a job or finding the right person for one's company, given the
amount of legwork it entails. That's why many prospective professionals or
businesses looking to hire have turned to the Internet as a resource to apply or recruit.
From job-posting websites such as Monster and Monster, Naukari etc to
business-oriented social networks such as LinkedIn, the Internet is helping connect
those who need a job done with those who can do it.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF INTERNET
Advantages of Internet
Unlimited Communication
The Internet has made it easy for people to communicate with others because
it is cheap and convenient.
The only costs incurred are those paid to the Internet service provider. If you
want to talk to someone who is in another part
of the globe, you can just fire up Skype or any
other communication app and hold a video
chat.
Services such as Skype have helped people from geographically segmented
countries to interact and share ideas. As such, people are able to share their thoughts
and views on matters affecting the globe.
The Internet acts as common global platform where people explore ideologies
and cultures without limitation.
Abundant Information and Resources
The Internet is swamped with information about anything and everything.
There are multiple search engines that have made it easier for Internet users to
find information.
For example, it is now common for people to look for free advice from the
Internet on all sorts of issues.
The premise here is that whatever
problem you are experiencing, someone
somewhere has experienced it and probably
solved it.
You can also get the latest news,
breakthroughs in all fields including
medicine and even research publications at
the click of a button. The Internet is
basically a globally accessible repository of knowledge, and the best part is everyone
gets to chip in.
Easy Sharing
Thanks to the Internet, sharing information is
fast and seamless. If you want to tell your 30
friends about your latest promotion, you can do
so in an instant. You can use social media sites
such as Facebook or an IM app. They will all
get the news at the same time. You can also
share music, videos and any other file.
Online Services and E-commerce
Today it is possible to carry out financial transactions online. You can transfer funds,
pay taxes and utility bills or book movie tickets over the Internet in the comfort of
your office or home.
The growth of e-commerce has made it possible for people to shop for most things
online. This has seen the emergence of
retail giants such as Amazon, Ebay
and Alibaba. They sell consumer
goods globally. Such a feat was virtually impossible before the Internet.
Entertainment
This is one of the major reasons why many people enjoy surfing the Internet –
entertainment. You can watch movies, listen to music, read your favorite celebrity
gossip columns and play games over the Internet. The Internet has become a
mammoth amusement park that never closes.
Spam Mail
Spamming is the sending of unwanted and useless emails to random people. These
emails obstruct the recipient needlessly. They are
illegal and can cause frustration because they make
it hard for people to access their email accounts.
Bots are used to bombard your inbox with
endless advertisements. This is quite perplexing as it
always gets mixed up with important emails.
Luckily, most email service providers have a
security system in place to prevent spam emails
from going to your inbox. All emails that are
deemed suspicious get their email ID or IP address blocked or sent to the Spam folder.
Virus, Trojan & Other Malware
These are malicious programs that plague the Internet time and again. They attack a
computer with the sole intent of causing harm. They can make the computer
malfunction or even this can be very costly especially if you lose important data.
Worse yet is the fact that you can easily fall victim to malicious software by
clicking on a link on the Internet that appears genuine. Internet viruses can be
categorized to three types - those that harm your executable boot files and system,
those that affect a specific file by destroying it and those that keep changing things in
your computer like Word files.
You can protect yourself by installing a reliable anti-virus program on your
computer before accessing the Internet.
Leakage of Private Information
The fact that the Internet has become a market place has also seen a rise in
fraud cases. Credit/debit card details are particularly vulnerable. This calls for
extreme caution when transacting online. Make sure to use a reliable payment
processor instead of sending your details directly to an individual or business.
Addiction to Internet
Just like everything else, people also get addicted to the Internet. This may
sound bizarre, but some people spend more than their fair amount of time on the
Internet. This affects their social
interactions a great deal.
Internet addiction has been
known to be a major cause of obesity
and has, in some cases, led to some
diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome.
With some help, people addicted to the
Internet can overcome this challenge.
HOW TO CREATE E-MAIL?
What is E-mail?
With today’s dependency on technology, you may find that many industries and
employers use e-mail to communicate with their clients and staff, as well as potential
employees.
Increasingly, employers are asking
work seekers to apply for work by e-mail
because it is more convenient for them and it
illustrates the applicant’s computer knowledge.
E-mail stands for “Electronic Mail”. It
involves sending and receiving messages and
documents anywhere in the world, electronically. Messages are sent through a
computer via the Internet.
To use e-mail, you need a computer that is connected to the Internet and your
own e-mail address. When you have an e-mail account, you have your own online
mailing address to send/receive digital letters, photos, documents, magazine articles,
and even junk mail. Like the postal system, you can also send electronic documents,
images, etc. to anyone with an e-mail address on the Internet, anywhere in the world.
There are two main types of e-mail services that you can use to set-up an email account:
Free Web-based e-mail services:(Yahoo!, Hotmail, G-mail). Websites that
allow you to e-mail from any computer connected to the Net, anywhere on earth. No
need to have your own computer and it is free.
Client-based e-mail programs:(Outlook, Eudora).A software program that runs
on your own home computer and that is often provided when you purchase Internet
services from a provider such as TELUS or SHAW.
How to create a Gmail account
Gmail is completely free. To get started, follow the steps below :
Visit http://mail.google.com/mail/signup.
2. Fill in the information requested on the sign-up
page:
• First name
• Last name
• Choose your username: This could be any
combination of letters and/or numbers.
Choose something that you can easily
remember.
• Create a password: Your password must be a minimum of 8 characters.
– Use a password with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols
– Create a password that’s hard for others to guess
– Make sure your password recovery options are up to date and secure
– Keep your password in a secret place that isn’t easily visible
– See the video at the link above if you need help creating an
appropriate password
• Confirm your password
• Birthday
• Gender
• Mobile phone (optional) — this can be used for password recovery should
you forget your password and need to reset it.
• Your current email address (optional) — this can be used for password
recovery should you forget your password and need to reset it.
• Prove you’re not a robot — you will need to enter the code on the screen.
This is required as an effort to protect users and combat abuse of Google®
systems.
• Agree to the Google Terms of Service and Privacy Policy by checking the
checkbox.
3. Click on Next step button.
1.
4. You have created your free Gmail account!
5. Click on the Continue to Gmail button to get to your inbox. We suggest you
bookmark your inbox page for easy reference.
Once a mail-id is created, the next step is to know to how to make use of it.
It’s a simple process. We shall learn it in higher classes.
LAB EXERCISES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
OPEN A SEARCH ENGINE AND COLLECT INFORMATION ABOUT
“ADVANTAGES OF INTERNET, PARTICULARLY IN INDIA”
USE ADVANCED SEARCHING METHODS TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON
“HIROSHIMA BOMBING IN WORLD WAR II”
SEARCH AND VISIT SOME WEB-SITES THAT PROVIDE INFORMATION
ABOUT “KABADDI”
GATHER MORE DETAILS ABOUT “VIRUS” THROUGH SEARCH ENGINE
CREATE YOUR OWN EMAIL ID USING ANY ONE OF FREE EMAIL
WEBSITES