You know the information is on the Internet somewhere, but with BILLIONS of Web pages and sites, how do you find what you want?
Use search engines -- those specialized Web sites such as Google.com, Yahoo.com, Bing.com or ask.com. Enter words or phrases related to info you want, and the search engine displays a list of Web sites that include your search words or phrases.
Each search engine has its own set of rules so may not display the same results. Try more than one site or use meta search engines, such as Metacrawler.com or DogPile.com, which simultaneously search several search engines.
Or, narrow your search by using:
* phrases in quotes that search for a whole phrase rather than individual words.
* the + or - signs to include or exclude specific words.
* advanced search to specify languages, file formats or other parameters.
* a wild card symbol * when not sure of word ending.
* natural language, such as “My computer locks up when I try to save a Word document to a thumb drive.”
* a comprehensive list of search engines www.search-engine-index.co.uk.
* parental controls for safe searching; also www.askkids.com.
* help menu from each site.
Be patient and persistent to get results.
Explore (surf) the Internet with www.awwwards.com for sites that have won awards for good design and useful content, or try www.stumbleupon.com. But be sure your anti-virus and anti-malware is installed and up to date.
