Search engines are server side software designed to make it easier for a user to find things throughout the internet. Without search engines, many websites would remain secluded from one another and in many cases information would not be readily available for users to find and read.
The first tool that made the internet searchable was called Archie. Alan Emtage, a student at McGill University, created this application in 1990 that allowed a searchable database of file names from the internet. Archie was the beginning of a large list of search engines with different features and abilities that allowed the internet to grow to what it is today.
Such a simple idea changed the internet forever. As different people and companies improved Alan's idea of a searchable internet the internet itself started to evolve. The internet is slowly becoming the replacement of many forms of media because it's ability to be connected, up to date, and best of all free aside from the monthly fee of the connection. A whole world of information has combined before our eyes because the evolution of Alan's idea of having a searchable platform.
Slowly but surely search engines gained ground on what they were able to index. Today many search engines still use old technology that allows the creator of a web page to input special keywords and tags within the code of a web page to allow them to be indexed toward the proper audience. The best search engines to date actually index the information found within the pages content.
Today, there are definitely major titans in the search engine world. Each is well funded by their advertising revenue driven by sponsored ads found within search results. Search engines results are now based on algorithms. Algorithms are rules set in place to rank pages within results differently in an attempt to give users the best experience for their given search.
Search engines also exist that allow you to search specific types of media such as images, video, news, sports, blogs, and forums. Narrowing the media you search from can often provide more desirable results. Major search engines don't always offer these luxuries and finding the information you need can be very difficult.
The future of search engines is hard to determine. What we have seen in the recent years is the abundance of video media online. As web space and connection speeds are becoming more affordable and wide spread this trend is expected to continue but the next innovation in web search will surely be an exciting part in the evolution of search engines.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reverse Address
By: sdstockman | 19-07-2008
I am very discouraged, I used to ve able to do reverse address searches on white pages and aol white pages. Now there seems to be a problem with both. What is wron with the sites today that I can't look up people or reverse addresses oneither?
How do I uninstall, remove, AOL Google search ...
By: Mel G. | 18-07-2008
How do I uninstall, remove, AOL Google search window. Any help appreciated. Thanks, MEL G.
Are there any entirely IM or VoIP -based p2p ...
By: drabsv | 18-07-2008
Are there any entirely IM or VoIP -based p2p support services? That is services like Yedda, only that the communication happens in real time, on chat or via Skype?
I know of IRC software support rooms and http://qunu.com but I am looking for something more advanced, for instance a database where you can tag yor question (without writing it, tags alone), leave your IM details, take advantage of a tag-matching system like here on Yedda and wait to be contacted on your personal IM client.
I was born at that hoapital in 1943. i like to ...
By: janicejgreene35 | 18-07-2008
i was born at that hoapital in 1943. i like to know more about me. for im a sick lady. maybe it help me.
Removing aol search
By: flames6767 | 18-07-2008
How in the heck do you get rid of aol search
Aol search window and more
By: Joni | 16-07-2008
Hi,
Now that I have a new computer and AOL 9.0 to work with, my question is about the window that pops up each time I sign onto AOL. "The search the web" window is one thing that I would be happy to delete. Any ideas?
Also in the task bar at the lower right hand corner, I have the Num lock, Caps lock and Scroll lock all appearing in a row-- surprise! How do I delete those as well? Many thanks.
Joni
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