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You are reading the Original Version (CLB5+) Read Simple Version (CLB3-4) When was the last time you read an actual paper newspaper to check the weather and other news? Sure, some watch TV or listen to the radio, but if you want information quickly, you search for it on the net. With more information moving online, navigating the internet has become an essential skill. Whether you are a newbie or an expert netizen, the following tips will help you surf the net safely and more efficiently: Do you know the following terms – browser, website, webpage, search engine, or URL? Learning basic terms and tools will help you follow instructions and navigate the internet better. To start off, read Lost in cyberspeak? Basic terms that you should know. The most used search engine today is Google and it is for good reason. Google has the largest single catalogue of webpages plus, it is fast, reliable, and user-friendly. It also has Google Scholar search which is a great tool for looking up scientific and hard-research materials. Of course, you may use other search engines such as Bing, Dogpile, or Yahoo, and others if you need an option. If you have issues about online privacy, you can consider using DuckDuckGo since it doesn’t track your searches. Another part of searching efficiently is knowing how to search in the first place. You save time significantly (and have more accurate results) when you key in exact key words or phrases. If your first attempt does not yield significant results, re-word or rephrase your search using synonyms. Try and think of the most common way people might look for the same thing or topic. Other search tips: For more advanced Google search tips, read How to search on Google: 31 Advanced Google Search tips, Dharmesh Shah, Hubspot. Fraudulent sites are dangerous because they contain false information that can endanger or scam you. Many of these are phishing sites. Phishing is when an entity gets you to disclose personal information which they can use to harm or steal money from you. But how do you know which sites are real, good, reliable, or credible? There are several ways: Found a site that you like and would probably go back to again and again? Bookmark it. This will help you go back to the site without having to search for it again. You will find this function on most browsers. Click on the star on the address bar or click on the three dots on the upper left side. “Bookmark” is the sixth choice on the drop-down menu. Did you come upon a fantastic offer? Read through an amazing claim? Or read late-breaking news that is hard to believe? If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re not sure if something you read on the internet is factual, investigate and give it time before clicking share. Don’t be among those who spread lies and fake news among their peers. Some, especially those using social media, think that they are doing others a favour when they share such information. Being a discerning reader is the mark of a genuinely tech-savvy netizen. Remember, false information is dangerous and can cause real harm, so don’t spread it. Please login to tell us what you think.Skip to:
Know the lingo
Search efficiently
Stay away from fake or fraudulent sites
However, some articles or websites can be more sophisticated. If you’re not sure if what you’re reading is credible, dig deeper. Get information about the author or check the references at end of the article. Find out if the writer is an authority. Also, see they have written articles in past that were credible. Another way to check credibility is the presence of a contact page where you can see the publisher’s information. Most legitimate news sites would have an About Us page that states its commitment to delivering facts and upholding journalistic integrity. If an item they publish is not factual, people can contact the publisher and hold them accountable. Still not sure? Check the poster below from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions to help you weed out fake news.Bookmark
Don’t share if you’re not sure
Sources: The best search engines of 2017, Paul Gil, Lifewire; and Google tricks that will change the way you search, Jack Linshi, Motto. Both accessed November 27, 2017.We'd love to hear from you!