General Searching: I am amazed at the different number of results generating from searching singular or plural, and also the way results change, sometimes hourly! If anyone can explain why, or how to ensure only one set of results occur, I would be very grateful.
As google generates millions of results, it is always good to refine the searching terms. This can be done using the radio buttons for the web or NZ, or/and "Advanced search" by using "phrase searching" and limited by date.
I have always enjoyed the various options provided by google (web, news, images, video etc) but was very impressed with the other (even more) options available ; "reviews, blogs, discussion search, wonderwheel and timeline".
The related searches and linked catagories that come up are very useful.
Although most of the search engines have the same options of: related searches, related catagories, quick limit searches to entire web or only nz, as well as the possibility to view searches by images, video, news, blogs, forums etc, some are more suitable than others for certain subjects.
Google wonderwheel would be very useful for students undertaking research as it provides a "mind map" to assist in organising information. Timeline is another very useful device in determining when past events actually occurred.
Yahoo: Information is already organised in different categories so searching can be less time consuming. A 'searchpad' facility is provided to make notes to refer to later, and of course, the images and Flickr are amazing.
Bing "organises answers in such a way that results can be found faster".The page layout is plain and simple but a hovering mouse leads to further information. Bing does not offer any 'advanced search' facility.
Exalead has 'thumbnail' pictures of the web pages (handy for memory jogging!) and 'bookmarks' can be added if required. The 'advanced search' is all on the same page - very useful.
I tried to find a subject (plexiglass) that wouldn't generate too many hits (!) Google had the most hits but also has the options to limit and refine the search to suit my particular query. A lot of searches were duplicated in all the search engines and although I liked the simple layout of both Bing and Exalead, I prefer searching Yahoo!Xtra.
Google seems to be the default on every pc, so a quick search for a 'ready question and answer' is very convenient.
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