2C Finding information on the Web As you have already discovered, there is a lot of information available on the Web. If you know about a web site or have a URL, finding that site is easy. But how do you find information if you don't have a URL, or are not sure if there is a web site? There are several different methods for finding information on the Web. Each method has its own pros and cons, and sometimes you will need to use more than one. In a nutshell, you can: Browse through APAdirec, APAnet's online information center. APAdirec has been designed specifically for Asian Pacific American non-profit agencies. It contains web sites which have been identified and organized for your needs. A resource like this is an excellent place to start your search for information, especially if it relates to the Asian Pacific community. Consult other subject-specific directories and guides, such as Wataru Ebihara's Asian American Cybernaut's Guide, or other related web sites, such as the Asian Community Online, or ACON site. Both of the resources mentioned here are also excellent tools for information about the Asian Pacific community because they were designed for the Asian Pacific community. As you find other sites, be sure to write down the URL and share them with your colleagues and with APAnet. Browse a general Web directory service, such as Yahoo. When looking for non-Asian specific information, or if your initial searches are less than successful, going to a directory service is a relatively easy way to search for information. Yahoo is the oldest and best known of these directory services, which are similar to the "Yellow Pages" in a telephone book. Web sites are organized by category; to find a site, you select the category that seems most appropriate for your needs. Do a Web "search" using a search engine such as AltaVista or Excite. Search engines, as discussed in the earlier section, are a powerful tool for finding information when all else fails. Basically, search engines allow you to search for key words in web sites. Some tips: Remember that no directory or search engine covers the entire World Wide Web. Like telephone books, each directory or search engine accesses only a part of what is out there. That means that if one directory or search engine doesn't find anything, you should try another. Often times, it is productive to find one web site that is relevant to your needs, and to see if that web site has it's own directory or page of web links. When using search engines, try to use terms that describe what you are looking for in the most unique and specific way possible. Also, use more than one term. When you find a useful site, be sure to share it with your colleagues. The chances are that if you found some useful information, others in your organization might also find that information useful. This is a good opportunity to send some e-mail!

Email Communications Internet Exploration 2A How to Use Netscape Open Location New Window Mail Document Save As Close, quit, edit, view, go Bookmarks Options Preferences Toolbar Directory Buttons 2B Search Engines 2C Finding Info on the Web