Friday, January 26, 2007

Week 2: World Wide Web - Search engine.

The World Wide Web, also known as the "WWW", which can be traced back to 1980, is defined as "a global information medium where we can read and write through computers connected to the internet" (Wikipedia, 2007). In this paper, I will briefly explain the process of how the “WWW” developed Google search engine and my personal experiences with it.



1980-1991 was the development of the “WWW” and According to Tim Berners-Lee, “the World Wide Web (WWW) project aims to allow links to be made to any information anywhere.” As the “WWW” progressed, Google’s search engine, defined as “an information retrieval system designed to help find information stored on a computer system, such as on the World Wide Web, inside a corporate or proprietary network, or in a personal computer,” came about in 2002-present because without the “WWW”, it would not even be able to exist.(Wikipedia, 2007).



Google’s search engine currently plays a major role in almost everyone’s life. It allows one to search a choice of topic easily through detecting a particular word or phrase. To date, we have new search engines coming up such as the Windows Live Search, which was originally called MSN search (Wikipedia, 2007). Without the search engine, we would not be able to do as much as we can today. I remember back in 1996, when I was 10 years old; I used the “WWW” for the first time to search for information on my favorite pop-stars, especially the Spice Girls. I could find pictures, biographies, and song lyrics. At that time I rarely used the “WWW” to look up information for projects. It was more towards leisure usage rather than information gathering for research papers like what we do now for school assignments.



Now that Google’s search engine provides a great deal of help in finding research materials, life has been made easier. Let us take Google’s search engine and the library into consideration. Sometimes, people like to start doing their assignments at night instead of the day because they feel that is the time they can concentrate most. If one were to start work at 10 at night, which library would be open? This is where Google’s search engine comes into play. It is available anytime and anywhere as long as you have the internet connection. No librarians will be needed to tell you the location of your book and to check the availability of the book. As mentioned earlier, Google’s search engine allows one to conveniently locate the particular topic in search, leaving the choice to the searcher as to which information to choose. Also, certain libraries may be located at places where some people may find it inconvenient and to get there, it could be a waste of time. With a computer at home, a simple click of the mouse to get to Google’s search engine will just do the job because you can get information on books, journals, newspaper articles and more.



Most recently added to the “WWW” is the Singapore Street Directory. According to streetdirectory.com.sg, “Streetdirectory.com was first published by Virtual Map (S) Pte Ltd in 1999.” No more street directory books will be needed because now, with streetdirectory.com, not only will you get direct information on how to get to your destination, you can also ask for Singapore’s places of attraction, accommodation for tourists.

Therefore, with the development of the “WWW”, and the reliant of Google’s search engine on it, we are advanced in the information we read up on. The “WWW” is like a miniature version of the world we live in because of all the accessible information linked through search engines. Information about food, drinks, places to go to, celebrity gossips, medical advices, countries,finding jobs and more. Basically you type it, and you got it.



References

History of the World Wide Web. (2006, September 5). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 11:00, January 26, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_the_World_Wide_Web&oldid=73974490

Search engine. (2007, January 24). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 14:30, January 27, 2007, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine

Singapore Map. Retrieved January 27, 2007, from
http://www.streetdirectory.com.sg/

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

In my opinion, Streetdirectory.com is probably one of the most useful local websites on the web. You can find out the location of just about any shop in barely a minute.

I still think streetdirectory books will be necessary though, for drivers who aren't good with directions.

Unknown said...

Jane: Good take on the World Wide Web. However, I do find the connection to streetdirectory.com.sg too abrupt. It would have made more sense if you found the first instance of map search engines then talk about a local example (e.g. streetdirectory)

Note that where you use Wikipedia, there is a proper way to do the in-text citations as seen in this guide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_Wikipedia#Examples

I'm giving you the full grade for this, but tak note of those recommendations for future assignments.

Jane Killick said...

wow..thanks Kevin. I'll take note of your advice in future assignments.