Project #15 Search Engines

Search Engines

A search engine is a web-based program that searches for information based on specific key words. In this post I will be reviewing and evaluating 8 different search engines.

1.) WolframAlpha

     In researching WolframAlpha I discovered that it is actually more of an "answer engine" than a search engine in that it is better used when looking for specific information rather than a general search.  For instance, I chose to look up the speed of light. Rather than giving me a bunch of websites related to the topic, it gave me the exact value. It also went a step further and broke the value down by meters, kilometers, and miles. If you are looking for a quick, specific answer then WolframAlpha is a great tool to help accomplish that goal.

2.) Webopedia

    Webopedia is a search engine most specifically used in defining technology and computer related terms. It offers several resources like a term of the day, quick reference links, and did you know articles to help keep you informed on the latest technology. Their definitions are very easy to understand for those whose knowledge of computers is limited. Whether you know little or have a more advanced knowledge of technology, this is a great site to use.

3.) Indeed

    Indeed is a job based search engine that lets you search for many types of jobs all over the U.S. A great feature of this site is that it can send you emails when a job you may be interested in becomes available. It will also allow you to save your resume to apply for future jobs.

4.) DuckDuckGo

    DuckDuckGo is a general search engine like Google, but what makes it a little more unique is the fact that it does not store and share web searches. When searching for something in DuckDuckGo I learned that it actually pulls information from other sources like Wikipedia and WolframAlpha. It also uses what is called a crawler. I had never heard of this term before so I went back to webopedia for a quick vocabulary lesson! A crawler is also referred to as a spider which is a program that retrieves web pages and sends them to search engines. I find it easier to search for what you are looking for because its as simple as scrolling up or down rather than searching through hundreds of numbered pages.

5.) blekko

    The unique thing about this search engine is that it uses what is called "slashtags." Blekko defines slashtags as "a tool used to filter search results and helps you to search only high quality sites without spam." If you wanted to search for information on the common cold, you would enter "common cold /health." Adding the slashtag will return websites with better quality health information.

6.) Archive.org (WayBackMachine)

    WayBackMachine is an archive search engine that will allow you to look at the history of different websites. Wikipedia calls it "a digital archive of the world wide web." It allows you to see how different web pages have evolved over time. I chose to search aol.com. I was able to view different screen shots of AOL going all the way back to 1996. It was neat getting to take a little walk back through time to see how certain sites like AOL have changed through the years.

7.) Bing

    Bing is a search engine created by Microsoft and is likely Google's and Yahoo's top competitor.  I really like the changing of the background images on the homepage. I think it is definitely an attention grabbing feature. The images also contain facts about the pictures being shown. Bing allows you to search for information related to shopping, news, travel, videos, etc.

8.) Yahoo

    Yahoo is also one of the most popular search engines on the internet.  Its search results don't seem to be as specific as other search engines. However, it does have shortcuts to help you get more from your search. Yahoo also offers other information such as news, maps, weather, real estate, sports, etc.