IntroNet: Beginner’s Guide to Searching the Internet

A common mistake new Internet users make is using the same searching techniques to look for the weather in Bali, the patch to a software bug, or a reliable chiropractor. Ineffective searches can waste valuable time, monopolize terminals, and discourage users. Search engines often turn up information only distantly related to the subject, links return error messages as Web sites change or vanish without warning, and many of the sources are inaccurate, outdated, or biased. This work seeks to solve these frustrating problems by putting the expertise of a seasoned Internet searcher at your fingertips, with basic searching principles and time-saving strategies for locating everything from obscure statistics to long-lost friends quickly and painlessly. Helpful for staff members who assist Internet users, and a useful reference for users, It offers basic step-by-step instructions on: selecting and using the right search engines or search directories; reworking terms for better results; finding speciality sites, news groups, discussion groups, and chat rooms; and evaluating Internet sources for relevance, quality, and accuracy. The book also includes a Net Searcher’s Checklist - a short-list of steps to keep beside the computer, and a Web Site posts updates to the text