portals and vortals are sometimes considered a type of specialized search engine

Instead of storing pages, they point to them. They may also provide fewer results out of context than search engines.Ĭons: unlike search engines, most directories do not compile databases of their own. Because of the human oversight maintained in subject directories, they have the capability of delivering a higher quality of content. When you're clicking through several subject layers to get to an actual Web page, this kind of organization may appear cumbersome, but it is also the directory's strength. Pros: directory editors typically organize directories hierarchically into browsable subject categories and sub-categories. What are the pros and cons of subject directories? Most subject directories have partnered with search engines to query their databases and search the web for additional sources, while search engines are acquiring subject directories or creating their own. Today, the line between subject directories and search engines is blurring. Vortals, or vertical portals, are subject-specific directories. These portal sites not only link to popular subject categories, they also offer additional services such as email, current news, stock quotes, travel information and maps.

Portals are directories that have been created or taken over by commercial interests and then reconfigured to act as gateways to the web.

There are general directories, academic directories, commercial directories, portals and now, vortals. Subject directories come in assorted flavors. When you initiate a keyword search of a directory's contents, the directory attempts to match your keywords and phrases with those in its written descriptions. The path you follow might be something like this:Computers > Internet > Searching > Search Engines.As you will see there are numerous ways to reach the same destination. They may include a search engine for searching their own directory (or the web, if a directory search yields unsatisfactory or no results.) TaskĬompare a search using the Google Search Engine and the Google Directory for the keywords SEARCH ENGINES.As you move from level to level within the Google directory, you will need to make decisions regarding the sub-directories that are likely to provide you with the some fruitful results. Directories tend to be smaller than search engine databases, typically indexing only the home page or top level pages of a site. The resources they list are usually annotated. The editors review and select sites for inclusion in their directories on the basis of previously determined selection criteria. Subject directories, unlike search engines, are created and maintained by human editors, not electronic spiders or robots. Demonstration: What are subject directories?

Portals and vortals are sometimes considered a type of specialized search engine