Current search technologies are based on statistical algorithms that match the words you enter in the search box with words that exist at a website. Search engines attempt exact matches, and present the results on the search engine results pages (SERPs) ranked according to how closely the website’s words match the search words you entered.

The next generation of search engines will use techniques from linguistic science to determine the semantic relationships between words and the contexts in which they occur.

Wikipedia defines the Semantic Web as

The semantic web is an evolving extension of the World Wide Web in which web content can be expressed not only in natural language, but also in a form that can be understood, interpreted and used by software agents, thus permitting them to find, share and integrate information more easily.

For the purposes of this post, the “software agents” would be the search engine programs that process your search. Wikipedia goes on to explain:

Humans are capable of using the Web to carry out tasks such as finding the Finnish word for “car”, to reserve a library book, or to search for the cheapest DVD and buy it. However, a computer cannot accomplish the same tasks without human direction because web pages are designed to be read by people, not machines. The semantic web is a vision of information that is understandable by computers, so that they can perform more of the tedium involved in finding, sharing and combining information on the web.

For example, a computer might be instructed to list the prices of flat screen HDTVs larger than 40 inches with 1080p resolution at shops in the nearest town that are open until 8pm on Tuesday evenings. To do this today requires search engines that are individually tailored to every website being searched. The semantic web provides a common standard (RDF) for websites to publish the relevant information in a more readily machine-processable and integratable form.

The difference between the two search techniques is the results they produce. The search engines using semantic search will attempt to interpret your intention and serve up information that is “related” to your search terms while the engines using the “exact match” technique will continue to serve up information that matches words, but, that may not be relevant to your intention, requiring your discretionary powers (human intervention) to determine the most relevant information.

Try this Semantic Search-based search engine: Hakai

Nov. 15, 2005 - Editors at PCMag.com introduced a new resource at their Web site. Editors promise

“This new Web resource serves up-to-the minute news on spyware threats alongside the information you need to protect yourself against them. Product reviews, feature articles, how-tos and tips will help you prepare for and prevent catastrophe. “

Visit PCMag.com’s antispyware resource.

In September I attended the 2005 Get Found! Conference (about search engine marketing and optimization) in Connecticut. Here are some interesting statistics about search engines that I hope will provide food for thought as you prepare your 2006 marketing strategy.

These statistics were shared during the opening remarks by Emily Merkle and Jarod Caporino from MIVA.

• 41% of the activity on the Internet is “searching”
• 60% of people search from work
• Google, Yahoo, and MSN account for 93% of the searches performed on the Internet

Thanks to EKG Networking, Inc. of Marlborough, MA. for bringing this information to our attention.

The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission have teamed up to issue an advisory that sets the facts straight for consumers with regard to a recent flood of annoying e-mails about cell phones and the National Do Not Call Registry. Here’s some of the info.

“If you’ve received an e-mail telling you that your cell phone is about to be assaulted by telemarketing calls as a result of a new cell phone number database, rest assured that this is not the case. Telemarketing to cell phone numbers has always been illegal in most cases and will continue to be so. In response to recent e-mail campaigns urging consumers to place their cell phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission issue this advisory to give consumers the facts.”

“Personal cell phone users have always been able to add their numbers to the National Do Not Call Registry — the same Registry consumers use to register their land lines — either online at www.donotcall.gov or by calling toll-free 1-888-382-1222 from the telephone number they wish to register.”

To learn more, see the full advisory at the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site.

Spyware is software that is downloaded to your computer without your consent (and without your knowledge). It keeps tabs on what is on your computer and the actions you take, and reports the info to ???? Some spyware is innocent enough - recording marketing demographic info. Other spyware is malicious and can turn your computer into a spam generator, a virus generator, or, steal your identity.

To protect yourself, voluntarily download an anti-spyware program. Several are mentioned below. Run the anti-spyware software at least once per week, more often if you are a heavy Internet user.

Adventures Online has been happily using Spybot Search and Destroy for over a year now. This is freeware software and donations are much appreciated. Spybot Search and Destroy has received PC World and PC Mag (and more) accolades.

EKG Networking, a trusted business partner and Spybot Search and Destroy user also recommends:

1. Lavasoft AdAware
2. Microsoft AdAware