Library Workshop
Introduction to the World Wide Web
January 2002
Learning to use Netscape or Internet Explorer: Browser tutorials
Here are the URLs for several browser tutorials which you can try out. Even though they do not teach the most current versions of the web browsers, the tutorials are still useful because the basic browser features are present also in the newer versions. The companies have simply added more bells and whistles.
Netscape Tutorial 2.0
A good tutorial for demonstrating Web browser functions in Netscape. It's clear and easy to follow.
http://w3.aces.uiuc.edu/AIM/2.0/tutorial/
Netscape Communicator
A tutorial from the Netscape company that demonstrates Web browser functions in Netscape Communicator. Although this is a commercial website, it's useful. This is the most up-to-date of the two Netscape tutorials listed here.
http://home.netscape.com/browsers/using/newusers/basics/index.html
Internet Explorer Tutorial
A good tutorial for demonstrating Web browser functions in Internet Explorer.
http://www.eiu.edu/~mediasrv/ie/menu.html
A Good Starting Point
SSCC Library Web Page
An excellent starting point for research. This contains links to our library databases, WWW search engines, and other information resources.
Search Directories
About.com
Contains excellent subject guides to a multitude of topics on the World Wide Web. About.com guides are compiled by subject experts. One bad thing, however, is all the annoying advertising on this site!
Academic Info
A gateway to academic resources.
BUBL LINK: Libraries of Networked Knowledge
A very well organized and selective collection of mostly academic resources. A nationally funded UK treasure.
Librarian's Index to the Internet
A directory compiled by librarians. This site offers high quality web sites on academic as well as popular topics.
Yahoo
The largest subject directory on the web. It provides you with a hierarchical list of subjects. Click on the links to progressively narrow your search and zoom in on a specific topic, or do a keyword search to find your topic.
Search Engines
AllTheWeb.com
You can search for web pages, news, pictures, video, MP3 files and FTP files using a simple interface.
A "smart" search engine. It also allows you to search for images and newsgroups. Tends to give you the most relevant links near the top of your list.
Teoma.com
Searches deliver pages grouped by subject and as a listing.
Meta-Search Engine
Dogpile
A "meta" search engine which searches a number of search engines at one time.
Web Searching Tips
1. Think about how to describe your topic.
2. Use a plus (+) in front of a required search term.
+butterflies +singapore
3. Use quote marks (" ") around a phrase.
"revised code of washington"
4. Use an asterisk (*) to truncate.
butterfl*
5. Use all small letters when typing your search terms to be sure you get everything containing the words in your search.
6. Some search engines are case sensitive. Use capitalization to narrow your search if you're looking for a proper name.
+Zion +Cancer +Center (Mount Zion Cancer Research Center)
7. If your results aren't satisfactory, try another strategy.
8. Try using more than one search engine. Different search engines yield different results.
9. Read the Help or Search Tips for a particular search engine. Each search engine is different, and not all of the tips above work for every search engine.