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Search engines and Internet directories |
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Definition: Search engines and Internet directories
Search engines use indexing software programs, called robots or spiders. These software
programs are programmed to constantly crawl the web in search of new or updated pages.
They will go from URL to URL until they have visited every web site on the Internet. When visiting a
web site, a search engine spider will record the full text of every page found (including sub-pages).
After that, it will continue to visit all external links. The URL of a web page is the address of a web
page, for example "http://www.tomrayner.com/index.php".
By following external links that point to your web site, search engines are able to find your site.
The search engine spiders will then revisit your site periodically to refresh the recorded information.
Search engines rank your web pages based on mathematical formulas.
Search engines and Internet directories are not the same. Internet directories don't use indexing
software programs. If you submit your web site to an Internet directory, your web site will be
indexed by real people who decide whether to include your web site or not.
Directories are usually subdivided into categories, and you have to submit your URL under the
most appropriate heading. If you don't, it is very likely that your web site won't be listed.
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