How do I search the internet properly? The best tips for precise results, data protection & smart tools

Internet search engines and searching the Internet

Search engines such as Google, Bing or DuckDuckGo help you to find information on the Internet. You enter a search term and the search engine returns the appropriate results. However, not every search brings up the desired content. That’s why it’s worth getting a better understanding of how Internet searches work and what they can do, and using them in a targeted way. With its suite of services, Google in particular offers many options for searching for specific content, data or formats.

How do Internet search engines work?

Internet search engines like Google work in several steps:

1. Crawling: Bots crawl the internet and collect data from websites.
2. Indexing: The content collected on websites is stored in a huge database.
3. Full-text search: User search queries are compared with billions of documents. A full-text search searches the text content on websites and documents.
4. Semantic understanding: Google & Co. recognize connections, search intent and related terms. As a result, the full-text search delivers more precise results to better answer the user’s search query.
5. Ranking: Search engines evaluate pages according to relevance, quality, loading time, backlinks, user behavior and other ranking factors.

This is how the search results that you receive after clicking on “Search” are created. These are based on huge amounts of data and the use of algorithms.

What is the best way to search with Internet search engines?

You can google more than just simple terms. Here are some examples:

• Find files (e.g. PDF, DOCX) with the “filetype” operator: filetype:pdf The filetype operator can also be combined with content search terms: filetype:pdf Presentation Knowledge Management
• Search specific websites with the “site” operator: site:searchit.cc The site operator can also be combined with content search terms: site:searchit.cc Knowledge Management
• Search for exact phrases with quotation marks: “Enterprise Search in companies”
• Use exclusions with minus: searchit document management
• Use advanced filters (e.g. time period, language, region)

The better the search syntax, operators and filter functions are used, the faster the user will find the desired content and relevant information.

Tips for the right search

Here are some tried and tested tips for better searching on the internet to get better results and relevant information:

• Use precise terms: Instead of “animals”, use “domestic cat diet” or “dog breeds for families”.
• Use search operators:
  • “exact phrase” – to search for exact content
  • -term – to exclude unwanted content
  • OR – for alternative terms, e.g. “car OR vehicle”
  • site: – to search a specific website
• Use search filter:
  • Restrict results by date, language or format
  • Only display images, videos or messages
• Use advanced Google search:
  • In the menu under “Settings” you can search by language, region or file type
• Use Google Suite in a targeted manner:
  • Google Scholar: scientific content
  • Google News: latest news
  • Google Books: digitized books
  • Google Drive & Docs: manage and share your own content

These methods help you to find relevant content more quickly, search efficiently and work with search engines in a targeted manner.

Internet search engines and personal data

Many search engines use cookies to analyze your search behavior and display personalized results or advertising. Google stores data about your search history, location and usage behavior. It is therefore important to be aware of data protection, cookies, tracking and the use of personal data.
If data protection is important to you, you should use alternative search engines such as DuckDuckGo, Mojeek or Startpage – they do not store any personal data and completely dispense with cookies and tracking.

List of the most popular internet search engines

Here is an overview of the most frequently used search engines on the Internet, which you can use to find specific information and content:

• Google – the world’s best-known search engine. It offers many additional services in the Google Suite and uses comprehensive data analysis, cookies and personalized results.
• Bing – Microsoft’s search engine, integrated in Windows and Microsoft Edge. Solid performance for web, image and video searches.
• Yahoo – based on Bing technology, with additional content and its own portal.
• DuckDuckGo – does not store any personal data or cookies. A popular search engine if you value data protection.
• Startpage – anonymous Google results, without tracking or cookie storage.
• Ecosia – uses Bing results, plants trees with the proceeds. Sustainable alternative with data protection.
• Qwant – European search engine with a focus on data protection and without personalized advertising.
  Each of these search engines has its own strengths – choose the one that suits your requirements.

List of special search engines

In addition to the major providers, there are specialized search engines that you can use to search for specific content, data and formats:

• Google Scholar – For scientific articles, studies and papers – ideal for school, university or professional research.
• YouTube – videos, tutorials and explanatory films. One of the most important search engines for moving image content.
• Bing Copilot – AI-supported search that answers questions directly. Helpful for quick information.
• Brave Search – searches independently, without advertising or tracking, does not store any personal data.
• Mojeek – own web index, no cookies, no passing on of data. For anonymous searches.
• Fireball – classic German search engine, straightforward and data-saving.
• Qwant – with its own music, news and web search. Data protection-friendly and EU-compliant.
• Ecosia – environmentally friendly web search that contributes to reforestation per search.
• Openverse (formerly CC Search) – for searching Creative Commons licensed content, ideal for open educational resources.

By using these special search engines, you can retrieve specific results and information – whether for school, work or leisure.

With the right knowledge, you can make your searches on the Internet more efficient, achieve more precise results and protect your data better at the same time. Use targeted search engines, use search operators, pay attention to the use of cookies, protect your data and find exactly the content you really need.