Searching

Browsing

When searching you are exploring an indexed database webpage copies created by the search host. 

A search engine like Google is constantly making copies of websites and saving those copies in their own computers. They've worked out a very fast indexing system. It is this system that you are searching.  Even though the search engine company is making copies all the time, the copies you are searching could be old, out of date, or changed when compared to the original site on the live Internet. 

When browsing you use your Web Browser to explore a working website. 

You are viewing the site directly via your browser. What you see is what is on the web at that very moment.

Browsing is the only method of searching live information.

Browsing is also a way to search a Subject Directory, a collection of indexed information from a database.

1. enter keywords/operators in the search engine box

2. scan result snippets for information

3. click links to the cached information or the live web page

1. enter a URL in the address box

2. scan the page for information

3. click links found in the browser window

1. use keywords in queries
2. scan results for relevant information
3. select information from snippets in order to:
4. conclude the search by scanning, skimming or reading
5. enter new keywords in a query
6. click a link to further information

The essential tasks involved in browsing are:

1. use focused concepts to keep to guide your reading
2. scan for relevant information
3. select information from web pages in order to:
4. conclude the search by scanning, skimming or reading
5. click a link to further information

Use searching when:

1. You can identify keywords for a search
2. You need multiple information choices and/or perspectives

Use browsing when:

1. You know a specific web page to search
2. You need to brainstorm ideas for a topic (in which case, browse a Subject Directory)
3. You need up-to-the minute information on breaking news