The world is a big place, and space is even bigger. But, in the modern age, cyberspace is bigger than both in certain ways. OK, so it might not be physically bigger than either, but the internet is vast and, just like the universe, it’s constantly expanding.
Although it’s almost impossible to determine how many websites there are, WebsiteSetup estimates that there are over 1.7 billion. That number is increasing every day. In fact, the same organization has calculated that more than 500,000 new websites are created each day.
We also know that there’s a mindboggling amount of digital data stored online. A report by Science Focus shows that Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft store at least 1,200 petabytes of data. To put that into perspective, 1,200 petabytes is the equivalent of 1.2 million terabytes or 1.2 trillion megabytes.
An average audio file is approximately 3 megabytes, so between these four companies alone, they hold the same amount of data as 400 billion songs. The point here is that the internet is packed with more information and things to see than we could process in a thousand lifetimes.
Therefore, we all need a strategy when we use our technology and the internet. Yes, cookies, search histories, and bookmarked pages help us navigate to the things we’re most interested in. We’re also given a certain amount of help by search engines and social media platforms thanks to algorithms that tailor the content we’re shown based on previous choices. However, these mechanisms are only the tip of the iceberg.
You need to utilize the plethora of tools available online if you want to become an efficient and safe cyber surfer. So, with this in mind, here are three ways to surf the web safely and efficiently.
1. Up-to-Date Virus Software
You shouldn’t go online without protection. Even if you’re only using a free virus program such as Windows Defender, you need to make sure that the software is up-to-date. This ensures that you’re automatically protected when you download data from the internet. Something else you can do to surf in a safer way is use extensions.
Google Chrome has free extensions that block ads and pop-ups. Additionally, Avast One and other virus programs will have website scanners. By linking to your browser, Avast et al can scan your search results and identify rogue sites before you click on them. This system of ticks and crosses allows you to surf the internet safely in the knowledge that you’re not going to fall victim to cybercriminals.
2. Expert Reviews and Comparisons
There is help, guidance, and support at every turn on the internet. No matter the industry, there are people willing to point you in a certain direction. For example, home insurance companies have long harnessed the power of comparison sites.
These independent hubs allow consumers to input certain pieces of information and get results based on their needs. This system revolutionized the insurance industry back in the noughties and it’s a model that other sectors have since copied.
For example, online betting has taken this idea and made the industry more accessible to novices. Because there are hundreds of sportsbooks online, review sites provide easily digestible overviews of the leading operators. So, someone can read a Bet365 review and find out that it offers live streaming, coverage of major cricket matches, and has a mobile app.
They can then compare these features with other sportsbook reviews to find their ideal platform. Again, like insurance comparison sites, users can combine expert insights with their own preferences to find what they want.
3. Adjust Your Search Settings
The final way to surf the internet more efficiently is by mastering search engines. Google is the undisputed king when it comes to internet searches. Part of the reason for its lofty status is the fact you can tweak certain settings. For example, once you’ve entered a search query, you can use the “tools” option to sort the results by time/date. You can also choose to show all the results or only those that contain your keywords verbatim.
The latter is great if you want to be really specific. You can also use other search engines. In fact, if you want the best results, it’s often a good idea to cross-reference between two or more search engines. Whether you realize it or not, each company manipulates search results in a certain way. So, the top results on Google might not be the top results on Bing. One of the only search engines that don’t do this is DuckDuckGo.
Therefore, if you really want to conduct the most effective searches, we’d suggest combining Google with DuckDuckGo. Then, once you add in the other tips we’ve suggested, you should find it a lot easier to navigate the ever-growing matrix that is the internet.
