Each of the services included in the "Searching the Internet" has distinct features and capabilities. In most cases instructions for using these resources are included somewhere at the site; we have linked to instructions when available. For a summary of the functions available for each search engine, see the Internet Scout Sidekicks.
For your convenience we have defined six common searching functions.
- Searchable Indexes
- Databases of millions and millions of pages, gathered by automated "robots," allowing broad and often overwhelming searches
- Subject Catalogs
- Links to resources arranged in subject hierarchies, encouraging users to browse to (and often search for) those they need
- Annotated Directories
- Concise summaries of linked pages, helping the user know what they'll find when clinking on a link
- Subject Guides
- The work of a subject specialist, resulting in the most carefully selected and annotated links
- Specialized Directories
- Cover kinds of data (e.g., email addresses, web server information) that require special tools for effective searching