Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Sometimes the Search Center does not remember my last search term. What gives? A: If you want the Search Center to remember your search term, you must make certain that you have cookies and JavaScript enabled. They are both enabled by default, so if you haven't disabled them, don't worry about it. They'll be enabled. In order for the Search Center to remember the current search term, you must submit the search using the "Search" button. Clicking the search button submits the search to the search engine while at the same time it sets the cookie that remembers the search term. If you simply enter the search term and hit the Enter key, the search will be performed but not remembered. Q: I often get swamped with loads of search results. How can I improve my search results? A: Refine your search. There are several simple "tricks" to improve search results (see below). Although not all search engines allow all of the same syntax, almost all allow use of the most important: Enclose the search phrase in quotations. Searching for Use the + sign to require a term. For example: Use the - sign to exclude a term. This will help eliminate lots of useless results. For instance, searching for: Most of the search engines have advanced search features. You can access the advanced search page for the various search engines by clicking on either a search engine's logo in the Search Center's upper frame or a search engine's name in the lower frame. Experiment. |
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Q: My browser gives me a message "To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has restricted this file from showing active content... A: In the Internet Explorer menu, pull-down Tools | Internet Options, and select the "Advanced" tab. Find the "Security" section near the bottom of the list, and check the "Allow active content to run in files on My Computer". |
Relationships Between the Major Search CentersMost of the major search engines make use of each other's data in various ways. Take a look at the relationships between the search engines. (The exact relationships indicated are outdated, but the graphic serves to give an idea of how the various search engines use one another's data.) |
Search Engine Help CentersYou can find some terrific information about power searching the web at Search Engine Watch. It is useful to check out the help centers of the major search engines. Not only do they include useful tips for using their specific search engine, they include very useful generic information about searching the web. Below are some of the most useful: | AltaVista | Gigablast | Google | IPL | Ixquick | MSN Search | Open Directory | Yahoo | If you need additional help using Geoffrey's Search Center, or with searching the web in general, email me. |