How to search safely for information online

An internet browser, such as Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, gives access to the internet and search engines, such as Google or Yahoo, provide a way of searching the internet.

Typing a keyword or phrase into a search engine will quickly provide a large number of results containing that word or phrase; however the sheer volume of results will probably be unworkable and the level of potentially useful results will typically be low.

Most keyword search engines now offer advanced searching techniques which allow users to define their searches more precisely. Many search engines will rank results, placing priority on the first search term, and will allow searches to be limited to UK sites only.

Internet filtering

Customising search engines

Many search engines will provide filtering facilities to remove unsuitable sites and advertising from search results.

Customising web browsers

Most web browsers provide some customisation facilities to allow the settings for security, privacy and content to be adjusted.