Internet Basics - Searching the internet

The internet is a huge resource with millions of websites and web pages. To search on the internet you need to use a search engine. You can search for almost anything on the internet, from recipes and local news through to photos of your favourite footballer or singer.

There are lots of different search engines.

First, open your internet browser, for example Internet Explorer or Firefox. Next type into the address bar the address of a search engine and click the go button.

All search engines look different, but they always have a search box, or search field, and a 'search' button.

Type your search terms, or key words, into the search field and left click on search. You can now view your search results. You will probably get hundreds or thousands of results. The most popular, or relevant sites will be near the top of the list. To visit a site left click on the link.

Tips for clever searching

• Be as specific as you can when searching by using more than one key word. For example, to find a plumber in your local area type in plumber and the name of your home town.
• To search for a phrase put it in quotation marks, such as 'polar bear'.
• You can choose to search for one word but not include another by using a minus sign. For example to search for bears, but not polar bears you would put: bear –polar
• Try not to write full sentences or questions when you are searching, just use key words.
• Check your spelling when using a search engine.
• If you can’t find the search result you want, try to use different words. For example, instead of searching for footie scores you could try the key words football and results.
• You can also search for images on the internet. On your search engine there will be an option for searching for just images.