Internet directories are collections of selected Web sites and Usenet newsgroups from around the world categorized by subject. They are excellent resources for exploring the Web, since the categories make information easy to find.

Many directories, such as Excite, Infoseek and Yahoo!, also offer access to a search engine, but directories work differently from search engines.

When you consult a directory, such as the Sympatico SiteIndex, Excite, Infoseek or Yahoo!, you will see a list of broad categories, such as "Arts," "Computers" and "Travel," each of which will be linked to a directory of sub-categories. For instance, "Travel" might be linked to such sub-categories as "North America," "Western Europe" and "North Africa." As you continue to select categories, the directory will list a selection of relevant Web sites, newsgroups, and more sub-categories.

Human editors look over and classify each Web site that is submitted by e-mail or found by a special program that scans the Internet automatically. The links will be annotated with descriptions or comments. Since each directory finds different Web sites and classifies them differently, try a few directories in your search.

A disadvantage of search engines is that the scope of the results will be much smaller than that returned by a search index.

If you're worried about what you or your children might find in these directories, you can restrict access to material you might find objectionable by using censoring software.

Material in the Sympatico SiteIndex is selected by editors to ensure that it is informative, interesting, and family-friendly.