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Now that you've figured out how to get onto and around the Web, you're ready to make the Web work for you. A great book, a different look, a better job, a new friend -- it's all just a few keystrokes away. Yet there's so much out there, finding what you want can be overwhelming. But never fear, for the skills you need to find any needle in the haystack of the Web, read on... LADIES, START YOUR SEARCH ENGINES! The best way to find what you're looking for on the Web, whatever it is, is to use what's called a "search engine." A search engine will sort the massive amount of information out there and help you find exactly what you're looking for. FIND A SEARCH ENGINE It's easy. You can't swing a cat on the Internet without hitting a search engine. There are two simple ways to get to a search engine… Using your Browser: 1. Look on the toolbar for a "search" icon. 2. Click on this button, and you'll go to a page listing search engines. 3. Pick a search engine, any search engine! Using a URL: 1. If you know the name and/or the Web address (URL) of a particular search engine, you can go there directly by typing that URL into the address bar of your browser. 2. "Bookmark" your favorite search engine(s) so you can quickly jump to them when your surfin' and searchin'. HOW DO I USE A SEARCH ENGINE? OK, you've found your way to a search engine. Now what? The first thing to do is to take a good look at the page and familiarize yourself with what's there. Search-engine homepages have many of the same elements, so using them quickly becomes intuitive. Some things you'll find are: lots of links directories keyword search LOTS OF LINKS News items, weather forecasts, maps, stocks, chats, auctions, free e-mail accounts -- these are just some of the services many search engines provide in addition to their searchable databases. You may decide you want to make a search engine your default homepage. At the very least, you'll probably want to bookmark at least a couple of search engines, because you'll doubtless be using them again and again. DIRECTORIES Directories, like Yahoo, help you search by using broad categories like Arts, Health, Science, etc. If you're not sure exactly what you're looking for, start here. As you follow the links, you'll get more and more specific, until you get to actual Web pages that relate to what you're looking for. KEYWORD SEARCH When you do know exactly what you're looking for, you'll want to use a keyword search. To use the keyword search: 1. Click once in the search box. 2. Being as specific as possible, type in your search terms. 3. Click on "search" or "go to," or hit return or enter on your keyboard. Easy, huh? But using a keyword search can turn up a lot more results than you bargained for. To really make the keyword search effective, you'll want to learn a few advanced search strategies. WHAT WILL I FIND ON THE WEB? You name it! Once you've honed your search skills, you'll be able to find everything, from new boots to old friends. You'll find tips on making money, tips on making love, even tips on how much to tip. You'll learn about all kinds of useful - and not such-useful stuff -- from horoscopes to gyroscopes, from trivia to the meaning of life, and everything in between. Just like life, the trick is in knowing what you're looking for. Happy hunting! You're ready to mine the Web for all it's got. print this lesson | back to lesson main page You have a hobby, we know you do! Don't worry, you needn't tell us. Just go to a search engine and locate three sites that relate to your secret obsession. (It'll just be between you and the Web.) When you're at that search engine, try exploring the "Advanced Search" links and try your hand at learning to refine your searches.