The more key words you use, the fewer results you will receive, and results will be very specific. Likewise, fewer key words will give you more and broader results. Basic and advanced searches operate in much the same way. However, instead of only controlling key words, you can control the language of your results, the publication dates, the time required to load the page, and many other factors. When you first open up a search engine, you'll most likely see the basic search.
Search engines use thier most simple search as a default because it is the broadest.
In the example below, both images are from the same search engine, Alta Vista. Note the increased number of options available with the advanced search. Basic Search Advanced Search Please note that while most search engines have diferent levels of searching capability, some do not. If you want to use an advanced search and the search engine you are currently using does not have that option, then you will have to use a different search engine. Bowling Green State University.