6.2 Demonstrate knowledge of search logic, search engines and features of the Internet

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
   1. Boolean logic
   2. The Boolean operators
   3. Logic diagrams: the AND operator
   4. Logic Diagrams: the OR operator
   5. Logic Diagrams: the NOT operator
   6. Using multiple Boolean operators
   7. Constructing precise Boolean searches
   8. Search engine assumptions
   9. Advanced search facility
   10. Advanced searching on Yahoo
   11. Other points on Boolean searching ...
2. Truncation and wildcards
3. Grammar of the Internet
4. Search engine operation
5. Ownership of the web
6. Dark internet and the invisible web

Constructing precise Boolean searches

It is important to consult the search engine help pages to understand how you can create a precise Boolean search.

There are three approaches:

1. Boolean expressions can be entered directly into the search box.

We have already covered this. Altavista (http://www.altavista.com/) is a search engine which permits this.

2. The search engine makes assumptions about what you mean when you enter search terms.

3. There is an Advanced search facility.

Let's look next at Search engine assumptions ...