Avoid Quagmires With Simple Web Search Tactics.(A)

By Ted Needleman

Investor's Business Daily

The Internet may have emerged as a common tool for businesses and consumers.But it's still not that easy to find what you want.

Even if you only occasionally use search engines, you probably realize what a quagmire the Net can be. Most of the time, your search query returns too manyresponses. Other times, the search engine finds none.

But you can learn to search more productively. While there's no simple way to find the right information every time, certain tactics can improve your chances.

The first technique is to fine-tune your search entries. Most search engines, whether they're embedded into your Internet browser or part of Web portals such as Yahoo or Lycos, allow what are called Boolean search strings.

Named after the British mathematician George Booles, who developed the algebra of logic, Boolean searches use logical operators to define more precisely what you're looking for. These operators include "and," "or," "not" and similar commands.