I love search engines. :€

[dougtrr2]

Search engines are part of the problem. The other part is trying to figure out what the websites are calling the item you are looking for. We have the name we generally call something, but the website may call it something completely different. Once you find the correct term the searches go much better.

On a related subject. The writers of the owner's manual for my Subaru are masters of using different but related terms. If I am looking for capacities, what I want is under specifications. If I am looking for information on the radio, it is under audio. Seems like no matter what I am looking for it is under a different term

Doug in SW IA

 

[CliffordK]

I've tried "alternative" search engines, and keep coming back to Google. Even with all their shortcomings, they just seem to do a better job than anyone else. A good ad and tracking blocker should be a given these days. You don't say what kind of a computer you're doing your search on. A desktop is generally the best bet, "mobile devices" (man, I hate that term) regardless of OS seem to be designed to make tracking your every move in mind.

I've been using Google, probably since it came out. Every once in a while I'll take a gander at what is across the fence, but keep coming back to Google.

That could change though.

Some things are good. It has an extremely good spell checker, and is pretty good at guessing what typing some gibberish means.

However, it also has some bad aspects. It is now getting to be extremely ad-centric. So try to look up a vintage machine or part, and one gets inundated with a pile of new stuff.

I will also search for my username from time to time, but I think it spell checks it, and I get irrelevant results.

Search engines are part of the problem. The other part is trying to figure out what the websites are calling the item you are looking for. We have the name we generally call something, but the website may call it something completely different. Once you find the correct term the searches go much better.

Yep. They do use a little fuzzy logic, so they may be able to jump from your terms to something similar.

Or might convert measurements automatically.

Rather than searching for 3/4, I'll often search for 0.75

Unfortunately, many search engines do poorly with abbreviation like a single quote ' for feet, and a double quote " for inches.

Then, one gets back to Google's fuzzy logic. And, money may well prioritize their logic.

Say I'm searching for a specific tire size... Google will just start throwing in random tire sizes all the way at the top of the search. One has to pay attention to what one is clicking on, and certainly before on selects "buy".

 

[CliffordK]

All that being said. I'm on the prowl for some hydraulic hose fittings, and I need to learn the terminology of what to look for, as all my searches are bringing up all sorts of fittings other than what I actually need.

 

[ponytug]

All that being said. I'm on the prowl for some hydraulic hose fittings, and I need to learn the terminology of what to look for, as all my searches are bringing up all sorts of fittings other than what I actually need.

I highly recommend this little booklet from Discount Hydraulic hose:

https://www.discounthydraulichose.com/v/vspfiles/downloadables/thread_guide.pdf

The variations in hydraulic fittings give me the fits since there are so many that are almost the same.

All the best,

Peter

 

[newbury]

She's a walking, talking, bed ridden, paralyzed, bi-polar, diabetic, COPD affected individual with multiple heart attacks and extensive neurological issues taking 23 daily life sustaining heart and mind affecting medications - according to her Google ad profile!

Hope she recovers soon!!

 

[Jstpssng]

Hope she recovers soon!!

You beat me to it!!!

 

[Jstpssng]

In the overall scheme of things, apparently all roads lead to TBN! I'm getting ready to put new blades and stump jumper on my mower and did a search to see how easily the blades come off.

The first meaningful answers led me to this site... of course.

 

[the old grind]

Google may be the best but also takes in big $$ to have sites listed above/before what the algorithm determines. I may peruse several pages before changing my search words. One might search "x specs" and have to go past pages of where to buy vs find what they're seeking.

Yes, always for profit over service/value to the user.

That said and my rant:

If your issue is equipment failure/parts and your title is "looking for help" there's a scant chance it'll ever be seen outside the specific forum here or "today's posts" and it'll surely fade quickly.

No search engine or TBN's will lead others with the same make, model, etc to your posts if you don't relate to what they're looking for with what it is. Include a word you'd put in the search bar, or good luck.

 

[ponytug]

Google may be the best but also takes in big $$ to have sites listed above/before what the algorithm determines. I may peruse several pages before changing my search words. One might search "x specs" and have to go past pages of where to buy vs find what they're seeking.

Yes, always for profit over service/value to the user.

That said and my rant:

If your issue is equipment failure/parts and your title is "looking for help" there's a scant chance it'll ever be seen outside the specific forum here or "today's posts" and it'll surely fade quickly.

No search engine or TBN's will lead others with the same make, model, etc to your posts if you don't relate to what they're looking for with what it is. Include a word you'd put in the search bar, or good luck.

Great points. That's how search engines tie different words (or images) to other concepts.

All the best,

Peter

 

[BravoXray]

Anyone remember Alta Vista?