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Using Boolean Operators and other Internet Search Tools. AND, OR, NOT, Parenthesis, Quotation Marks, Plus and Minus Signs. Let’s Get Started. Searching the internet can be a daunting task. You could spend hours on an unfocused quest.
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Using Boolean Operatorsand other Internet Search Tools AND, OR, NOT, Parenthesis, Quotation Marks, Plus and Minus Signs
Let’s Get Started • Searching the internet can be a daunting task. • You could spend hours on an unfocused quest. • The internet can be organized into sensible information by using search tools.
-Boolean Operator-AND • If you enter AND between two words then your search will only yield documents that contain both words, narrowing your search. • If you enter rage and traffic then your search will yield only documents with both words.
-Boolean Operator-OR • If you enter OR between two words then your search will look for either word (you don’t care which word), broadening your search. • If you type in rage OR anger in your search engine then your search will yield documents that contain the word rage or the word anger.
-Boolean Operator-NOT • Not tells the search engine to disregard those documents that contain a word. • This is a powerful command and should be used sparingly.
Why not NOT? • If you search goldfish and guppy and get lots of information about swordtails, you might be tempted to try NOT swordtails. • But what if the best authority on goldfish is an authority on swordtails, too? What if her name is Ira Swordtail? You could miss lots of information.
-Boolean Operator-Parenthesis ( ) • Search engines do not read left to right. • Most interpret the AND first, then follow with the OR. • You can tell the search engine to interpret the OR first by typing (Rage OR Anger) AND traffic. • Don’t use ( ) when you’re only using AND.
-Boolean Operator-Quotation Marks • http://www.ehow.com/video_4432448_search-quotations-using-google.html
-Boolean Operator-Plus sign + • http://www.ehow.com/video_4432449_use-plus-sign-google-search.html
-Boolean Operator-Minus Sign - • http://www.ehow.com/video_4432450_use-minus-sign-google-search.html
Now Give it a Try • Each search engine has different rules about upper and lower case letters and the use of Boolean operators. Check their directions. • Try some experimental searches. Browse the results and make any necessary adjustments to the structure of your search words and operators. • With a little practice, you can save hours of time in cyberspace and focus on the task at hand.