Specifing Dates on Searchs

05-16-01, 11:28 AM

When using a search engine, such as google, is there a way to specify a date so only newer information is provided?

TallyOne · 05-16-01, 01:02 PM

To the best of my knowledge, there isn't a way.

However, you could try using dates or years in your search terms. If a do***ent or web page has, for example, 2001 somewhere in its content or meta tags, plus the key words you are seaching for, you might a better result.

Most, if not all, search engines cannot determine the age of a particular web page, i.e., how "recent" it is, and even if a search engine could, I don't believe it has the capability of chronological ordering of results.

**AMJones** · 05-16-01, 07:15 PM

Actually, it's possible with many of the major search engines. It's not very convenient though. Most do not provide any way to do this right from the search box.

You can find the option on many advanced search pages, though (Click 'advanced search' from their main pages). I know that it can be done from Hotbot, AltaVista, and Northern Light. Google and Excite do not seem to have the option.

Hope that Helps.

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AMJones - Admin
amjones@searchidea.com

05-17-01, 09:10 AM

Thanks for the tips. I'll give the recommended engines a try.

I don't have much savy concerning the advanced features of search engines, or do I really understand the differences between the various engines. By habit I use searchidea or google. So one last question? Are there any web sites that give a tutorial on advanced search, or how to pick a search engine for a particular type of search?

A blind one word search through google can provide overwhelming results even with an obscure topic. I ran a search on the name of the town I grew up in and came up with over 7000 hits. This was for a tiny village in the middle of nowhere who's population has never approached 1000. To this day I would bet that less than ten people in that town even have internet access and that includes the school and library.

**AMJones** · 05-18-01, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Are there any web sites that give a tutorial on advanced search, or how to pick a search engine for a particular type of search?

Actually, this is on the 'up and coming' list for SearchIdea.

We're working on a Knowledge Base of search tips, a tool to help you choose the best search engine for the job, and in depth reviews of a majority of the larger/better search engines out there.

I'm not quite sure when this info will be released, but if I had to *guess*, I would say sometime in late June.

------------------
AMJones - Admin
amjones@searchidea.com

05-16-01, 11:28 AM	#1
James Whitcotton Posts: n/a	Specifing Dates on Searchs When using a search engine, such as google, is there a way to specify a date so only newer information is provided?

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05-16-01, 01:02 PM	#2
TallyOne Contributor Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 69	To the best of my knowledge, there isn't a way. However, you could try using dates or years in your search terms. If a do***ent or web page has, for example, 2001 somewhere in its content or meta tags, plus the key words you are seaching for, you might a better result. Most, if not all, search engines cannot determine the age of a particular web page, i.e., how "recent" it is, and even if a search engine could, I don't believe it has the capability of chronological ordering of results.

05-16-01, 07:15 PM	#3
AMJones Director of Operations Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Madison, WI. Posts: 3,218	Actually, it's possible with many of the major search engines. It's not very convenient though. Most do not provide any way to do this right from the search box. You can find the option on many advanced search pages, though (Click 'advanced search' from their main pages). I know that it can be done from Hotbot, AltaVista, and Northern Light. Google and Excite do not seem to have the option. Hope that Helps. ------------------ AMJones - Admin amjones@searchidea.com

05-17-01, 09:10 AM	#4
James Whitcotton Posts: n/a	Thanks for the tips. I'll give the recommended engines a try. I don't have much savy concerning the advanced features of search engines, or do I really understand the differences between the various engines. By habit I use searchidea or google. So one last question? Are there any web sites that give a tutorial on advanced search, or how to pick a search engine for a particular type of search? A blind one word search through google can provide overwhelming results even with an obscure topic. I ran a search on the name of the town I grew up in and came up with over 7000 hits. This was for a tiny village in the middle of nowhere who's population has never approached 1000. To this day I would bet that less than ten people in that town even have internet access and that includes the school and library.