How do you begin to search the Web efficiently and effectively for the right information? Start with these dos and don'ts for scouring the Web.

• Do use the most common words that describe your search.
• Don't be afraid to type in keywords that come to mind.
  

Here are five tips to maximize your searches with Google.

1. Try it, you'll like it
   
   
   
   • Do what seems obvious first.
   • Don't be intimidated. Type in single or multiple keywords.
   • Don't bother with advanced search techniques, such as +, -, quotes, and so on, unless the most obvious keywords don't work.
   
   
   
2. Search for keywords
   
   
   
   • Do provide several keywords that you think will appear in the search result.
   • Don't format a query in the form of a question. For example, if you want to see Internet pages about parachuting safety tips, type in the words "parachuting safety" without including the words "pages" or "about."
   
   
   
3. Use quotes
   
   
   
   • Do use quotation marks to perform a phrase search. For example, to search for the book Wuthering Heights, use quotation marks around the entire title.
   
   
   
4. Read all about it
   
   
   
   • Do read the snippets. Most search engines offer summary text with each search result. Google calls the summary text a snippet. The snippets will help you save time and provide an idea of what the webpage is about.
   • Do save time by picking out the best results from there.
   
   
   
5. Looks like, sounds like
   
   
   
   • Do try the Web Directory to search for a general topic and not a keyword.
   • Do try Similar Pages to find other pages related to your search.