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22 Introduction to Microsoft Offi fice
Using Search Engines
A search engine is a software program that looks through massive
databases of links and information to try to identify the best matches for
the search request. Most modern search engines have natural language
processing that makes searching very easy. For example, a question such
as
what is the boiling point of water
can be entered as the search “term.”
A technology named Boolean logic can be used to construct very
precise search strings. Boolean operators, or logical operators, define the fi
relationship between words in the search string. The Boolean operators
AND, OR, and NOT can be used to create precise search strings. Also
available are proximity operators such as NEAR or FOLLOWED BY.
Figure 1-17 shows how the Boolean operators can be applied to a search
string.
Computer Threats
There are many types of threats to computer systems and computer
users. Malware most frequently fi nds its way into a computer as fi
executable code hidden in another program. Often, the computer
user does not fi nd out about the infection until long after a successful fi
attack. Other threats come from cookies, phishing, data vandalism, and
computer hacking.
Malware
Malware is software that intentionally performs actions to disrupt the
operation of a computer system, collect private information, or otherwise
harm the computer or user. The word malware comes from “malicious
software,” meaning software that intends to harm. Malware is a broad
category of harmful software. Some threats falling under malware are:
• computer viruses;
• computer worms;
GS5
Key Applications
4.2
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Figure 1-17. Boolean operators and proximity operators can be used to improve searches.
Boolean Operator Example Effect
AND space launches AND Pluto Locate information in both phrases on the same
page
OR R space launches OR Pluto Locate information on either phrase
NOT O space launches NOT Pluto Locate information on the first phrase, exclude
information on the second phrase
NEA AR space launches NEAR Pluto Locate information where both phrases are used
in close proximity on the same page
FOLLOWED BY space launches FOLLOWED BY
Pluto
The first phrase comes before the second phrase
on the page
Power Strips
Computer workstations
should be set up so all of
the computer equipment
is plugged into a power
strip. Doing this allows the
employee to have control
of the power to an entire
workstation. Power strips
are now available with
several different features.
“Smart” power strips make
it easy and convenient to
save power each day.
Green
Tech