A search engine is an automated software program, called spider or bot that assembles lists of documents on the World Wide Web as well as the contents of these documents. In this way, it builds its database.
The web documents are retrieved and analyzed and then added to the search engine index. When one enters a query at a search engine site like Google, Google at once responds by searching its index for web sites that correspond to one’s search. These are then displayed for one’s use. In this way, one can gain information about anything under the sun within seconds.
Some of the pioneering search engines include Google, Yahoo!, MSN Search, Alta Vista, etc. Thanks to search engines, we have the world at our fingertips. One can look up recipes, alternative treatments for some disease, real estate listings, stock markets and information on student projects, and many more, with the help of such search engines.
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Almost all houses have an Internet connection. This enables one to avoid time consuming trips to the library to access information. With just one click we can get the information we need. If we need the services of an advertising agency or a book editor or a translator, all we have to do is type in the key word (example ‘ad agency’, ‘editors’ or translators’) and presto!
We have a bewildering array of options from which we can pick and choose. If we wish to get details on a company we can type in the name of the company and a search engine will find its website for you in no time. Search engines are widely used in marketing.
For instance, search engine optimization ensures the volume and quality of traffic to a website. The earlier a site is presented in the search engine results, the more people will visit its site. Search engines can also download free movies, free software and free music.