untangling_the_web

DID: 4046925
UNCLASSIFIEONFOR OFflelAL USE ONLY
This query returns 545 hits. Now, suppose I want to see which sites link to
both the Iranian MOD and the Iranian Electronics Industries. I can do that
easily with this query:
[Iinkdomain:mod.ir linkdomain:ieimil.com]
However, I see lots of sites that also link to the ever-present CIA World
Factbook, which, while a wonderful resource, isn't want I want. I would really
like to see the sites that link to both the Iranian MOD and lEI sites but not to
the CIA Factbook. Can I do this? Sure:
[Iinkdomain:mod.ir linkdomain:ieimil.com -Iinkdomain:cia.gov]
While this technique has obvious applicability for search engine optimization
("who is linking to my competitors but not linking to me?"), I think it is worth
knowing about because you may come up with some creative ways to use it.
Just as an interesting example, try these two queries in both Live Search and
Yahoo. It's interesting to see what drops from the results' list on the second
query.
[Iinkdomain:cia.gov linkdomain:nsa.gov]
[Iinkdomain:cia.gov linkdomain:nsa.gov -linkdomain:fbLgov]
I believe you will consistently find that Yahoo provides more results than Live
Search for the Iinkdomain: searches. However, the results will vary, so it's
worth using both search engines. Google does not offer a linkdomain: search,
and its link: search has been hobbled.
~ search by file type: restricts results to PDF, MS Word, XML, and other
filetypes.
Yahoo does not offer a filetype: syntax. However, you can search by file type
using the advanced search option:
Advanced Web Search> File Format> Only find results that are: >
All formats or one format
There is also a Yahoo Hack that lets you search by file type.
~ Yahoo's video search now includes an option to search for MacroMedia
Flash files. To limit your Yahoo video search to Flash files, go to Yahoo Video
Search, select Advanced Search, uncheck all formats except Flash and run
your query. A simpler approach is to enter the query [filetype:swf keyword].
This query only works in Yahoo Video Search, not Web Search.
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