Revisiting “How To Search”
About three years ago I wrote an article about why many (SEs) search engines end up providing misleading results in their search. I wanted to revisit that topic because misleading searches can do more than provide you with outdated answers, they can direct you to websites that contain malicious data.
In addition, the way searches can be conducted has changed radically since that article so before revisiting my previous answer I thought a breakdown of the current methods might help.
Search Methods
Regardless of the Search Engine of your choice, you are provided with a minimum of an “Address Bar” and a “Search Bar” which serve different purposes. Many address bars have been replaced with an Omnibox which combines the two. Now have Copilot, Google Duet, and Gemini which contains its own set of AI tools.
Address Bar
Usually found at the top of the browser window. It is designed to navigate you directly to a specific website. Entering https://www.davescomputertips.com will always get you to that website.
Search Bar
When the specific URL is not known searching using keywords like “computer tips” in the search bar will display a list of related results. It may provide websites, computing tips, or a list of websites that provide computing tips.
Omnibox
Most modern browsers make use of an Omnibox which simply combines both functions in the address bar. Each SE calls it by a different name. Chrome is Omnibox. Firefox is “Awesome Bar”, Edge is Address Bar and Safari combines both but has no name.
A user can enter a search or URL in the Omnibox. It will recognize both.
AI-Generated Searches
AI searches all function slightly differently.
Copilot vs Gemini
Each is geared towards providing answers that address their specific tools. For example, Microsoft’s Copilot’s focus is to deliver efficient and accurate information and excel in understanding complex queries.
Google’s Gemini is known for its creative versatility and gives a more natural conversation to responses.
For example: “What are the best practices for securing a remote desktop connection? You might get:
Copilot: A detailed, structured response with specific steps and reference to Microsoft security guidelines.
Gemini: A more conversational response that might include creative suggestions and links to Google support articles.
Copilot vs ChatGPT
Often confused as the same thing they are not and will most likely provide different answers to questions because of the way they are designed, and the underlying technology.
Copilot is deeply integrated into Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook. It leverages the context and data from the MS ecosystem. It accesses real-time information from the web which can provide up-to-date responses.
ChatGPT is a standalone AI chatbot developed by OpenAI. It would provide a more general-purpose experience. Making it suitable for a broader audience.
A perfect example is if you were to ask “How to create a pivot table in Excel”. You can expect Copilot to provide a step-by-step guide leveraging its integration with Microsoft 365. ChatCPT might be just as helpful but would provide a more general answer not specific to Microsoft 365 features.
Which method you use depends on your specific needs, particularly with an AI-based search.
Back To “How To Search”
Even with all the possible methods the most common method used is still entering a query in the search bar. Which can lead to the wrong answer. Here is why:
Most SEs provide “tools” to help ensure you receive the best possible answer, but few people use them.
One of the most powerful tools available is “Time”. Without using this simple tool, you are subject to receiving outdated answers that no longer apply today.
For example: If your search is: “Is Windows Defender safe to use” you may get a surprising number of different answers.
Real-life example: I entered that question in my SE and received an answer from PC Mag dated November 30, 2020. How can that information possibly be relevant today? It can’t. Yet the answer appeared on the first page. It is supplied by the search engine because it matches what was asked. Since it was written there have been numerous changes to Defender, AI-based Cyber Defense, Integration with Cloud Services, and a large number of Security Updates.
To prevent your SE from providing you with an outdated answer. Use the tools provided by your browser. Each SE locates them under the address bar. Changing the date on the search only showed answers for the past month.
Summary
Make sure you are getting the best answers to your queries and specify a time. Using the date function can keep your answers current. Google’s tools include an impressive Advanced Search
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