Wolfram|Alpha is a computational search engine that aims to provide definitive answers to factual queries by curating objective data and implementing algorithms. It contains over 10 trillion pieces of data across 50,000 models and algorithms categorized into 29 subject areas. While powerful, it requires precise syntax and has limitations in natural language processing. Bing is Microsoft's consumer-oriented search engine competitor to Google with visually appealing interface and features like cashback programs, maps, news, and travel tools. Both serve unique purposes for different search needs and audiences, providing valuable additional resources beyond Google for users.

1. Search Engine Showdown: Wolfram|Alpha vs. bingLibrary Lunchable: 7/29

2. Wolfram|Alpha: Computational Knowledge Engine

3. Wolfram|Alpha: Goals“Collect and curate all objective data; implement every known model, method, and algorithm; and make it possible to compute whatever can be computed about anything.”“Provide a single source that can be relied on by everyone for definitive answers to factual queries.”

4. Wolfram|Alpha: Brainy“Contains 10+ trillion pieces of data, 50,000+ types of algorithms and models, and linguistic capabilities for 1000+ domains.” Built with Mathematica(computational tool)Users can submit suggestions/feedback through Community Forum and through feedback box (bottom of page)29 Subject Categories like Mathematics, Food & Nutrition, Earth Sciences, Money & Finance

5. Wolfram|Alpha: Just differentReal-time computationsResults can be converted to PDF; export to ExcelAble to view sources that contributed to search resultSense of humor: hello, chickenStart small. Use examples and categories.

6. Wolfram|Alpha: Limitations & CuriositiesPicky syntax; learn how to set-up formula queries for better resultsUtilizes natural language processing (still improving). Welcomes feedback and comments to improve search resultsIn order to get better and grow, the database is dependent on uploads of data (does not index or crawl for data)“Know things that are known, and are somehow public. It only deals with facts, not opinions.”Search results are considered primary source. Must cite!

7. Wolfram|Alpha: More curiosities“If you are under age 18 you may use Wolfram|Alpha only if you have permission from a parent, legal guardian, or teacher. By using the service you are telling us either that you are over age 18 and legally able to form contracts, or that an adult with authority to act on your behalf has agreed to these terms and to be responsible for ensuring your compliance with them in your use of the service and any results you obtain from it.”

8. Wolfram|Alpha: Complimentary ResourcesWalphWiki: Teaching Undergraduate Math Using Wolfram|Alpha

9. Microsoft’s bing: Decision Engine

10. bing: Google ContenderVisually stunning, cutting edge interface, enjoyable search experienceReal-time resultsConsumer oriented: travel, shopping channelsSearch refined by “real-time” groupingsAdvanced link features: thumbnails of videos will start playing once you hover over them; excerpts of text pop up when you hover over link.

11. bing: Clever FeaturesAfter search query, you view Quick Tabs on the left which you can use to refine your search further. Save and email results. RSS feeds of search resultsCan search for pages that link to MP3 files, documentsWindows Live ID account: “helps you open a bing cashback account, get bing news alerts, add bing map collections, and gain full access to the bing Webmaster Center and the bing Developer Center.”

12. bing: CategoriesShopping: Cashback account, discounts, comparison shopping, reviewsTravel: Farecast Technology; search for flights, hotels, cars, cruises, vacations; Travel BlogNews: RSS, alerts, videos, locationMaps: share, blog, print resultsVideos: mouse over search resultsImages: size, color, layout, style, people searchLocal: look up local businessXrank: track popularityWeb: general search

13. bing: ResourcesAccess to medical information from resources including The Mayo Clinic, The American Cancer Society, MD Consult, Gold Standard, the NIH’s NCCAM and MedlinePlusSearch semantically indexed Wikipedia content to help with “reference” searches when people are looking for information about a given entity (person, place or thing)Can find dictionary/encyclopedic information, conversions, financial quotes, statistical information

14. bing: ProsStrong consumer oriented features/ sectionsYou can get $ from Cashback program!Great features; interesting manipulation of results, real-time resultsEasy to opt out of tracking historySimilar advanced search as Google; slightly different advanced search keywords (like “prefer”, “hasfeed”)

15. bing: ConsHidden help instructions (scroll way down the page)No advanced search boxSometimes interface becomes cluttered w/ resultsUsing Google has become automatic; will bing become a verb?

16. The Showdown: Who Won?We are the winnersThe two search engines serve different purposes and audiencesMade Google “up its game”Two great resources, in addition to Google, to add to your “search toolkit”