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Searching the internet is a common way to find information. However, there are many pitfalls of locating credible information on the internet. Use this guide to explore effective strategies in searching the internet for information.
Levels of the Internet
Information on the internet is divided into three (3) levels:
1. Surface Web - free information found by using free search engines such as Google. Typically, the information is very general. Wikipedia is part of the surface web.
2. Deep Web - Information accessed by a username and password. Personal and private records are a part of the deep web. Information provided by publishers are a part of the deep web. Resources provided by the library are typically considered the deep web.
3. Dark Web - information that is encrypted, sensitive, very private. The dark web also has a negative connotation because illegal activities can take place in the dark web.
Use the graphic of the iceberg below to explore the levels of the internet.
Google Search Tools
Domain Types
| Extension | Description/Notes |
| .com | Commercial sites used largely by businesses |
| .edu | Educational Institutions |
| .gov | Government sites |
| .mil | Used exclusively by the military |
| .net | "Network sites" |
| .org | Organizations that are "for profit" or "non-profit" |
| .blog | Blogs |