Search Syntax

Truncation

Some search engines allow truncation--a technique to search for variations of a word. Use the wildcard operator * after a word stem to pick up the variations. For example, fabricat* will pick up fabrication, fabricating, and fabricators. The word stem must be at least three letters long, but more is recommended. Alta Vista and Northern Light both use * as the truncation operator. Infoseek and Excite stem words automatically.

Opening a New Window

While searching the Web, you can open a new location in a second window and then alternate between the windows. With you cursor on a link or URL, right click your mouse and select "Open in New Window."