Although each search tool is different, there are things they have in common to help you when you conduct your search. Most search indices are created by computers rather than humans. Instead of indexing by topic or  concept, search engines focus on key words that appear in the titles, URL's, and the text itself. Try to think like the author of the information you wish to retrieve. What words or terms would you use in the body of your article? Use those  words in your search query.

Since search engines use keywords, it is also important to avoid common words that will result in the retrieval of too many items. Stoppers are words such as AND,  OF, A, FOR and other similar words show up millions of times. (The exception would be if you were using one of the new engines that allows for phrase searches.)

Search engines even differ when it comes to stoppers. Some search engines  ignore them, and others include them.  Those that include them, often do so by design. For example, Accu-Find, a new, powerful search engine based on Internet's Java scripting language, boasts speed and total inclusion. There are no stoppers at Accu-find. I just did a search for the word "a". In less than two seconds it returned just shy of 17 million hits. That's speed and power!

If you are familiar with Boolean searches, you should know most Internet search tools allow Boolean searches. That's the good news.  The bad news is, very few of the search  engines support standard Boolean syntax. However, the help or hint features found at each search engine site will help you determine how to implement Boolean searches. Each engine has its own particular syntax.

As search engines evolve,  they became more powerful and user-friendly. Search engines such as HotBot allow you to designate a search term as a phrase and refine your search through simple pop-up boxes. This can be a very powerful search technique. As time passes, search engines will become more powerful and easier to use. Some search engines such as Ask Jeeves and Ask Jeeves for Kids allow you to type in complete search questions using normal English syntax.
 

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