Health Links | How to Find Information on the Internet
How to Find Information on the Internet
Discovering information on the web:
As you begin to gather information regarding a topic by using Internet, you might feel overwhelmed. You might feel that it is impossible to find what you are looking for. Well, there are numerous tools exist in the Internet that can assist you to locate what you are looking for.
What can I do on the Internet?
The Internet makes it feasible for you to communicate in various ways, find things that interest you, and exchange information. It allows you to send and receive email correspondence with people all over the world. You can join discussion groups about a common topic. You can log into, use many computers around the world, and use the resources on a remote computer such as games, databases, library catalogs, and many more interesting things.
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I want to obtain some information, where do I begin?
While the Internet does cover a vast collection of information, getting started can be frustrating. This is why there are tools available in the Internet called Search Engines that will guide you through in the process of obtaining information. This tools will allow you to "prompt" your search by typing in the Key words, for example if you were looking to fix your car engine, you should type in 'car engines', and all the places where you can find information on that topic will be listed. Basically, the Internet with out search engines is like car without wheels.
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What is the World Wide Web?
The World Wide Web is one of the functions that let you link to many sites on the Internet. This system of embedding links in the text on a page is called hypertext. The links are distinctive, and vary depending on your browser. With most graphical browsers, links are underlined and appear in a contrasting color usually blue in color. You can select the link by moving your mouse over the colored text and double clicking.
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What is http and what it's purpose?
It is an address protocol that tells computers how to communicate with each other. You will notice most web page location begins with "http://www. You can type this address in the address box and the search engine tool will launch that particular website.
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How reliable are the sites?
It is always good to ask your self how reliable the information that is available in the Internet. Certainly, there are many sites offering keen reviews on a variety of treatment options, both traditional and alternative. But, when it comes to your health, no one can give you a 100% guarantee. Here are a few sites that will guide you toward making distinction.
Check that the site subscribes to the HONcode principles (http://www.hon.ch/honcode/conduct.html) of the Health on the Net Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to advancing the development and application of new information technologies in the fields of health and medicine. The Foundation vigorously endorses effective Internet use, and sites displaying their "seal of approval" demonstrate best-in-class implementation and application.
Don't be fooled by sites that display awards as proof of their credentials.
The site's content may have changed, or they may have paid for the honor. In fact, it's very easy to copy an award graphic onto a site, whether or not the site actually received the award. It's better to employ your own set of criteria for judging a site's worth or credibility.
Use your common sense. There are many sites advertise "miracle cures" obtained through either alternative or traditional medicine. However be sure use your common sense in differentiating true and misleading information.
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Prepared & researched by:
Palani Guruswamy MSN, RN
Nursing Informatics Coordinator |
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