Online Searching
1 Rev Up Your Search Engine
Search engines are the most common tools for finding information and media on the Web. Online searching is a lot like going to the library; you can get a ton of information on virtually any subject, as long as you know how to find it and what you’re looking for. Bing (Microsoft's new search engine), Google, Yahoo, and Ask are the most popular search engines used today. Some sites and networks have their own internal search tool to help you find videos, pictures, and people. For example, Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr feature information and video and photo content, and also double as communities and social networks where users can upload their own content and share ideas. Online searching can also be referred to as browsing, surfing the Web, “Googling,” “Yahooing,” and now “Bing!”
It doesn’t take long to get started, and it’s free and easy. You can begin to search online as soon as you turn on your computer and open up a page on your web browser. The major web browsers are Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.
Most parents already know how to use search engines. But while they can search for something simple, they may not know how to tell if a site is reliable or how to keep their kids safe when they search online. Finding and using the safety features built into your Web browser can contribute greatly to searching safely and protecting yourself and your PC.
My mom's desk is usually a mess of papers, books, and miscellaneous objects. The Internet is kind of like this--it has tons of information but, without a way to organize it all, navigation can be discouraging, to say the least. Search engines act as filters for the vast amount of content the Web has to offer. ~ Kelley
2 You Name It, You Can Find It
While the Internet offers an often bewildering amount of information, certain Web sites and types of searches appeal more to teens. Potential college roommates, boyfriends, girlfriends, and anyone else they want to learn about get run through their favorite search engine for the latest scoop on what others have to say.
What kinds of things do you search for online?
"In computer class one day, I decided to search for myself online. Nothing appeared about me—not shocking—but I did find out that there is an Italian actor with my last name. I thought that was so cool!" ~Michelle
“I do research for school, look up bands and musicians, satisfy random questions and curiosities, shop, and research different products before I buy them. I heard about the Whitney Museum's new William Eggleston exhibit from a blog, and although I loved the picture that accompanied the post, I wasn't at all familiar with the photographer. After a quick search, I found Eggleston's tribute Web site, was able to look at a ton of his portfolios, and developed a bit of a crush along the way. Things like that are what really make search engines useful. People create and share, and searching makes it possible for you to view products of this connectivity." ~Kelley
"I look up information for school projects, reviews and price comparisons on products I want to buy, images, and recipes, among other things. To search online, I first go to one of the search engines I use. I then type the name of something I want more information about or a phrase related to it in the empty bar and click “enter,” “search,” “go,” or whatever the button at the end of that particular bar says. I then browse the list of links that are shown, and if I haven't found quite what I want, I change the wording or I try another search engine. My mom searches the same way I do.” ~Elena
“I mainly search for information. I write a lot, and it’s useful to have a search engine available to readily find the correct information I need.” ~Maddie
I use it daily for school, and sometimes to sell things on eBay. I look up music, lyrics, craft and cooking projects and things I want to buy. My parents use the Internet daily for price comparisons on electronics, cars, large appliances, travel discounts, coupons, movie and product reviews, and to make purchases. ~ Dominique
3 One-Stop for Homework and Social Life
More and more, teachers are integrating the Internet into their classes and the way they teach, and search engines and online searching in general play a huge role. Even outside school, the nature of online searching encourages curiosity and learning. Many times, teens, especially high school students, experience a narrowing of interests. The Internet allows teens to explore the subjects they feel most passionate about, while leaving the door open for broader exploration. Ultimately, the theme of online searching is connectivity: with peers, current events, history, culture, and the world as a whole. This is especially important for teens, who are on the cusp of entering and finding their place in this world.
Why do you search online?
"Honestly, I couldn't get by without the Internet. Searching lets me find exactly what I need so I can write papers, do projects, and interact with the world around me. Almost all of the research I get for school is from the Internet. Occasionally, I'll go to the library, but between extracurricular activities, other school work, and at least trying to have a social life, my time is in short supply. I do virtually all my school research on a computer, and the information I've gotten has helped me produce some really awesome projects and papers.” ~Kelley
“When writing reports, I can find a large number of references as well as cross-references in a fraction of the time it would take to get the same information elsewhere. When I started getting into photography; I wanted to get a camera of my own. I especially wanted one that didn't weigh a ton, but still had the manual features on my dad's camera. After a week or two of on-and-off searching, I found a camera with the features I wanted that was also in my price range. I love it! I feel that the time spent searching for the camera was well worth it because one year later, I still find my dad fiddling around with it!” ~Elena
“I will search for the lyrics to songs, cool pictures for the desktop on my computer, answers to really random questions I have, and to find out what is currently ‘cool,’ since it changes on a daily basis. Plus, with all the projects and essays and reports my teachers find it necessary to give me... I am searching for stuff almost 24/7.” ~Michelle
In short, here are the things we like most about online searching:
- It’s simple, fast, and easy to use.
- A search engine lets you look up different types of information such as images, news, videos and maps, all in one place.
- Filter settings in your web browser block unwanted information.
- You can get all this information without leaving home!
It’s easier than spending hours looking for the correct text at the library. I reserve that activity for when I want longer and more in-depth information. ~Maddie
4 Safe Searching 101
Avoiding trouble means knowing more about Web site sources.
Parents worry about social networks, chatting, texting, and sexting, but safe searching rarely makes it onto their top ten list. That’s a mistake. From the time when their kids start searching for “Barbie” sites, they can start finding trouble online instead of fun things about their favorite doll.
We need some quick background on how the Web works to understand why safe searching is so important. The Web is structured around top-level domains or TLDs. These include .com, .org, .net, .gov, .edu and newer ones, like .mobi and .name, as well as country domains, such as .uk, .ca, and .tv. Some, such as educational institutions (.edu) or military operations (.mil), require that you meet their qualifications. But most TLDs permit anyone to buy a domain name and use it. Probably the most famous TLD confusion is whitehouse.com, which was an adult site for ten years and is now a Web site broadcast service. It most certainly is not associated with the residence of U.S. presidents in Washington, D.C. To address the problem of pornographers using popular kids’ themes to draw children to their sites, a federal law was enacted making this a crime.
How to Filter Out the Bad Stuff
Sometimes our teens and kids misspell a Web site name or what they are searching for and end up at a slimy site. And sometimes they are just searching for trouble. Online, it’s easy to find. For all of these risks, consider using your search engine filtered settings. All popular Web sites offer these, without charge, in their advanced settings. You can also use Yahooligans/YahooKids for younger children. It’s Yahoo’s child-size search engine where all sites are appropriate for kids, including links to images for school reports. If you are using family tools or parental controls, they should block any unexpected search result, or at least access to problem sites.
When you are searching for something online that involves more than one word, such as a person’s full name, or a phrase or quote, put it in quotes, like “Parry Aftab.” Otherwise, if you search for Parry Aftab without quotes, the engine will search for every “Parry” and every “Aftab” online. It’s lots to weed through. Searching for the defined phrase makes it simpler.
Ask your teens how they search for things and what they search for. You might learn something. ~ Stay safe, Parry
5 Don't Panic!
Most parents and adults know how to use a search engine. What a lot of them don't know is how to respond when their children come across inappropriate Internet content. There has to be a certain amount of trust between parents and kids when it comes to searching online, especially during middle school and beyond. Kids should definitely be educated about how to find information online, but accidents happen. If they do come across inappropriate content, kids need to know that they can go to their parents and that they won’t be blamed for it. If parents are especially concerned, they should make a list of search engines geared specifically toward kids or educational information and post it by the computer that their children use. Most school districts have a list of online resources on their Web sites.
“Depending on how savvy your daughter is on the Internet, it is good to use a filter to help block out most adult sites. And, since filters aren't foolproof and neither are we, if something does get through, don't panic! Before clicking one of the links that the engine pulls up, makes sure it looks respectable. If you're not sure, look at the other links first or try refining your search.” ~Elena
“When I accidentally came across an adult Web site, I was shocked and more than a little embarrassed. But, I called for my mom anyway, and was surprised at how un-mad she was. Instead, she simply closed the browser window and talked with me about what I had seen, asking me if I was okay. Looking back now, I really appreciate the way my mom handled the situation. I have maintained a similar rapport with both my parents since, and I feel more secure—both with the Internet and with myself—knowing I can trust them. I think all parents should strive to establish an open dialogue about Internet risks with their kids. Their education and support are crucial, and when kids—teenagers especially—feel they are being treated with respect, they are more receptive to what is being said. If you aren’t sure about a Web site, try Googling it. Look at what other people have to say about its credibility, who owns it, and other details about the site’s background. Then decide whether or not you want to trust it.” ~Kelley
“My mom helps me a lot. Whenever I can’t find exactly what I am looking for, she spends five minutes to find six or seven different Web sites I can then go through. If she can’t find anything, she will try another search engine. If she still can’t find anything, she tells me to move on and try something else. I’ve learned to be more careful about which sites I go to in order to avoid explicit material, spam, viruses, and spyware.” ~Michelle
Parents should give their children some help, but not do everything. My mom only helps me find the sites. She makes me do everything else! ~ Michelle
6 Do It Together: An Activity for Parents and Teens
Parents can search online with their teens for their own favorite memories from their teenage years or other pop culture references, such as:
- Music/songs: “The Twist” by Chubby Checker or anything by The Beatles, Queen, or Pink Floyd
- Fashion trends: “madras plaid”, “the Ivy League look”, “leisure suits”
- Movies: Zorba the Greek, The original Bond movies, Anything Goes, Abbot and Costello movies
- Actors: Patty Duke, Marlo Thomas, Sean Connery
- Your first car: Cadillac, Mustang
- TV shows: Addams Family, Saturday Night Live, Gilligan’s Island, The Brady Bunch
- Books: My Name Is Asher Lev, Watership Down, Jaws
- Technology: Record players, antenna radios, cassette tapes
- Sports Personalities: Nolan Ryan, Wilt Chamberlain, Johnny Petraglia
- National and world news headlines
Try searching for these items with and without quotes and use different search engines. Then check out the differences in your results! ~ Elena
7 You Know You've Got It When
Six steps you can take to make sure you understand online searching.
- Use filtered settings on your favorite search engine to match your needs and talk to your teens about searching safely.
- Identify and use relevant safety controls on your web browser and operating system.
- Search for your own name and your teen’s online.
- Search Facebook, YouTube, or Flickr for information.
- Select “news,” “videos,” and “images” options on your favorite search engine.
- Know the difference between trustworthy and untrustworthy Web sites and how to identify them.
Windows Tip of the Month
Safe & Smart Searching with Internet Explorer 8 and Bing
Internet Explorer 8
Internet Explorer 8 helps keep you, your family and your information safe from evolving online threats. The new SmartScreen filter and other built-in security features help you stay safe by protecting against deceptive and malicious websites which can compromise your data, privacy, and identity. Learn more about the safety features built into Internet Explorer here.
What is Click-Jacking?
Click-jacking is an emerging online threat where an attacker’s webpage deceives you into clicking on content from another website without you realizing it. When you click the malicious page, you’re actually clicking on something else, buying something from the site, changing some settings on your browser or computer, or viewing advertisements that cyber-criminals get paid for.
What is Malware?
Malware is software that a cyber-criminal can use to steal your bank account information, track everything you type, send out malicious software or spam, or harm your computer. Whether it's via an email that appears to be from your bank, a search result for popular content such as games and movies, an advertisement or a link in an instant message promising free stuff, or a fake notification from a social networking site, there is virtually no trick they haven't tried.
What is Cross-Site Scripting?
Cross-site scripting attacks try to exploit vulnerabilities in the websites you use. In this attack, you might receive an email that contains a tampered website address. Once you click on the link, you are directed to a legitimate website that has been compromised to contain malicious content that can capture keystrokes and record your login and password.
Bing (Microsoft's new search engine)
Whether it's hard to find information like customer service numbers or finding instant real time traffic in your area, the new Bing helps save you time and hassle. Simplify shopping online, compare and read reviews with Opinion Ranking, and save with Cashback – try it.
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