Click here for the No Frames Proteus Search Service.
Please note: The "Frames Version" of Proteus requires cookies to be enabled.
More information
- If you haven't found anything, read through the search tips below.
- Access the search engine help menu at the top of this page for additional
tips on how to construct more accurate searches.
- Also try our Internet Guides.
- Use the Advanced Search to get the most out of the major search engines.
Search titles of web pages, focus searches to a specific country and much more.
- Search newsgroups, mailing lists and electronic forums with Proteus News Search.
- Looking for images? Try Proteus Image Search
- If you do not have a JavaScript-compatible browser (e.g. Lynx), click here for Proteus II.
- For even more search engines and computing resources click here.
Return to the search screen.
Using PROTEUS
Browser Requirements
Proteus FRAMES requires Netscape Navigator.
Netscape and Non-Netscape users can click here for the non-frames version
of Proteus, which simply requires a JavaScript-enabled browser. Users without such a browser may
click here for Proteus II, a manual integrated search page.
For more information on browsers and search engines, click here.
Search terms and phrases
*Search terms and phrases may be used and reused in PROTEUS. When you enter
them and select a search engine, you may return to the PROTEUS Search Page
and jump to another search engine. Click on the BACK BUTTON of your
browser to get back to PROTEUS. To start a NEW SEARCH, click the CLEAR TERMS
button and enter your new query.
*Due to the way various browsers are configured and information is cached in memory, you may
have to re-enter your search terms from time to time.
Search Engine Delays
Depending on what search engine you use, the time of the day you access it, and
the search terms or phrases you've used, there may be a brief or extended delay
as the remote server processes your query. If there is a considerable delay,
you may instantly select another search engine by simply clicking on a
different button on the Proteus menu. You do not need to press the
STOP button of your browser before doing so.
"No Hits" or Few Websites Found
If you've entered a query that has returned few or no results, you do not need
to revise your search terms/phrases immediately, unless you are intent on
using a specific search engine. Instead, you may attempt to resubmit your
query to other search engines to see what results they may (or may not)
produce. As every search engine uses different criteria in indexing and
ranking topics and words, your query will almost certainly produce different
results between two or more search engines. If at some point it becomes
apparent your terms are not producing desirable results, click the
CLEAR TERMS button and begin a new search.
Too Many Websites Found
If you are getting too many results for your search, you are probably
not being specific enough with your search terms. Consider all the
possible words and phrases associated with your search and try to
come up with specific things that would narrow the number of sites
returned.
Also remember to use "quotes around exact phrases" and
to use the Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT) between
words and phrases to further inform the search engine what you're
looking for. When all else fails, try a different search engine.
Every search engine uses unique indexing algorithms, and you will
likely find different websites by issuing the same search terms
to several different search engines.
If you continue to be unsuccessful, consider asking a librarian
for assistance. The information you seek may actually be at the
library!
Search Strategies for Proteus Users
- Specificity makes for quick search results, good or bad. You will learn,
if you haven't already, it's preferable to see ZERO HITS rather
than 10,000,000 HITS. Whenever possible, begin your search as
specifically as possible, then expand your search into more general terms
if the search engines report few or no results.
- If you are researching a subject as opposed to something unique, such as a
name or a company, think of all the words/terms/phrases that would most
likely be associated with that subject and enter them in the input box.
- Take the time to learn more about each search engine and its unique
capabilities. You may indeed use search-engine-specific commands in Proteus.
However, when you do, also keep in mind that submitting such a query
to other search engines not supporting an extended search syntax
will likely result in errors or rejected queries.
- Don't forget to add PROTEUS to your bookmarks for future reference!
Return to Proteus.
ABOUT THE NAME
Proteus was a deity of the sea who, thanks to Poseidon,
possessed the gift of prophecy and could change
his shape in a moment's notice.
Return to PROTEUS.
Proteus Search Suite
© Copyright 1996 - 1998 Robert J. Tiess
All search engines referred to by
PROTEUS are distinctly protected under
their respective copyright/trademark owners.
Search Engines are listed in alphabetical order.
For even more search engines, click here.
This page was last updated on September 16, 1998.
