Advanced Google

How does Google search work?

Google's search engine doesn't actually search the web. It searches Google's web index. This is done by using something called 'spiders.' Spiders search for a few web pages. Web pages have links which point to other web pages. These spiders follow these links and reach out to the other pages. Spiders search for web pages until a good number (a few billion) of pages across thousands of servers are retrieved. They are then displayed as search results on Google search engine. 

Basic search tips

When you search for something on the web there are a few things to be kept in mind.

1. The search engine looks for keywords on the web pages. Before typing the search keyword. Stop and think about what you want to search from the author's view. 
2. Do not use prepositions and articles in your search key string.
   Example: Instead of "is the speed of Boeing 777 500 mph," type "speed Boeing 777."
3. Use metadata and search operators mentioned in the next section to refine your search.
4. Do not use asterisk (*) in your search string on Google. It does not function the same way as in academic databases.

Interpreting search results

• Keywords typed in the search box appear in bold in the result snippets.
• A search result consists of a title, URL (the website which contains the information) and the snippet (text or abstract) which may contain the keywords.