Create Complex Boolean Expressions

AltaVista is unique among the major search sites in that it lets you create complex
Boolean queries by using parentheses. You use the parentheses as you would in an algebraic equation—to group and order the operations within a
query. AltaVista processes the operation within the parentheses first, and then
works through the rest of the query from left to right.
We’ll work through a few examples.
Let’s say you want to search for all microwave ovens, except those by Amana.
No problem; use the Boolean parentheses to construct the following query:
(microwave AND oven) AND NOT amana.
Or maybe you want to search for pages about Batman and Robin or pages about
Batman and Superman. Use Boolean parentheses to construct the following
query: batman AND (robin OR superman).
One more example, more complex this time. Let’s say you want to search for
pages about scrambled eggs and either bacon or sausage—but not toast. Here’s
your query: (scrambled AND eggs) AND (bacon OR sausage) AND NOT toast.
Just remember to group your keywords and operations in the order you want
them executed. And if your query doesn’t return enough results, try simplifying
your query—it’s possible to get too restrictive with these Boolean operators!