Don’t just roll the dice and hope when searching the web!

Your Game Strategies for Searching the Web

Nothing is more frustrating than going to the largest information resource in the world (the web) and not finding what you need.

It may be the information you want is not does not seem to be available, or you get to much information and is not useful.

Below I have listed five basic tips and strategies for successful searching.

1. Check out the search tips section for the search engine you are using.

· They are good, specific to how that engine works, and even experienced web surfers have been know to learn something.

2. Be as specific as possible when searching.

· If you are looking for information on the ginger it will narrow the search if you use qualifying words like flower (if you are searching for information on the flower, or spice if you want the seasoning)

3. Use “ “to search for a specific phrase.

· For example when searching for greenhouse benches using “greenhouse benches” will exclude garden benches, greenhouse websites and more.

4. Using + or AND to include all possibilities.

· When you are looking for information on a plant you can search for the common name and the scientific, which will bring you all references. For example: poinsettia +euphorbia . Be sure to leave a space after the first word before the + sign. AND can be used in place of the + sign.

5. Using – or NOT to exclude specific words.

· When you are searching for information on the ginger flower and you want to exclude the spice. You would type ginger –spice. Be sure to leave a space after the first word before the – sign. NOT can be use in place of the –sign.

6. Using OR to search.

· OR works with only two words. If you are searching for information on wettable floral arranging foam and you know the two manufactures you would type in oasis or aquafoam.