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Search Engines

Search engines are indexes which help you to search for web pages by keywords or phrases. They are useful for searching for specific rather than general information.

There are a large number of search engines available for finding information on the Internet. They vary in how they search for and organise information. For a truly comprehensive search you may need to use several search engines and use multi-search engines. To find other types of information or formats (e.g. images) use speciality search engines.

Always, read the search engine's online help for tips on searching and keep your search as precise as possible!

ACADEMIC SEARCH ENGINES
Search engines for finding scholarly literature
Google Scholar Using Google Scholar @ Anglia Ruskin


Windows Live Academic

UK SEARCH ENGINES
Google

Yahoo

  • AltaVista (UK)
    One of the largest indexes of Web sites. It offers sophisticated search options and services including an image search and translation service. Remember to make use of the Help options to improve your results.
  • UK Index
    A comprehensive index of UK Internet sites.
  • UK Plus
    UK-only search engine, which also offers regional searching of resources.

GLOBAL SEARCH ENGINES
  • AltaVista
    One of the largest indexes of Web sites. It offers sophisticated search options and services including an image search and translation service. Remember to make use of the Help options to improve your results.
  • Ask
  • Fast Search (All the Web)
    One of the largest indexes of the Web and also offers multimedia and mobile/wireless web searching. Remember to make use of the Help page to improve your results.
  • Google
    An advanced search engine which finds the most relevant results by rating Web pages according to how many sites link to that page. Useful for finding obscure and unusual words or subjects. Remember to make use of the Help and Search Tips page to improve your results.
  • Northern Light
    Searches across general Web resources, business and industry information and news. Also includes a Special Collection of quality full-text sources. Remember to make use of the Tips page to improve your results.
  • Yahoo
    A combined search engine and subject gateway offering access to Web resources in a wide range of different subject areas. Remember to make use of the Help page to improve your results.