Search on Web User Guide

Introduction

The Search on Web feature in Ace Chat allows users to retrieve information directly from the internet using various web extensions. This mode leverages online resources to provide up-to-date information with proper attribution to external sources. This guide explains how to effectively utilize the Search on Web functionality to access online information through the Ace Chat interface.

Table of Contents

• Search on Web User Guide
  • Introduction
  • Table of Contents
  • Accessing Search on Web
  • User Interface Elements
  • Configuring Web Search Settings
    • Accessing Settings
    • Extension Selection
    • Brand Voice Settings
  • Web Search Extensions
    • Available Extensions
    • Default Extension
    • Adding Extensions
  • Asking Effective Web Queries
    • Query Guidelines
    • Example Queries
    • Query Rephrasing
  • Understanding Web Search Responses
    • Response Structure
    • Response Actions
  • Source Attribution
    • Source Links
    • Source Relevance
  • Additional Features
    • Follow-up Questions
    • Conversation Context
  • Troubleshooting
    • Common Issues and Solutions
    • When to Switch Chat Modes

Accessing Search on Web

1. Open the Ace Chat interface
2. Locate the chat type selector dropdown in the lower middle section
3. Select "Search on Web" from the options (alternatives are "Search Knowledge" and "Ask AI")
4. Once selected, your chat will operate in Web Search mode, retrieving information from internet sources through the configured extensions.

User Interface Elements

When using Search on Web mode, you'll interact with these key UI elements:

Element	Description	Location
Chat Type Selector	Dropdown to select "Search on Web"	Lower middle of chat interface
Settings Icon	Access web search settings	Near the top of the chat window
Input Box	Enter your web search queries	Bottom of the chat interface
Send Button	Submit your query	Right of the input box
Source Links	Clickable links to web sources	Within the response
Web Source Citations	References to online sources	Throughout response text

Configuring Web Search Settings

Accessing Settings

1. Click the settings icon (gear symbol) when in Search on Web mode
2. The Web Search Settings panel will appear

Extension Selection

The main configuration option for web searches is selecting which extensions to use:

1. In the settings panel, you'll see a list of available extensions
2. Select one or more extensions to use for your search
3. Click "Apply" to enable your selection
4. The selected extensions will appear next to the settings button
5. To remove an extension, click the "X" next to it

Brand Voice Settings

Like other chat modes, you can configure the Brand Voice:

• Toggle the "Brand Voice" button in settings to enable/disable
• When enabled, responses will be delivered in the configured voice style (e.g., typewriter style)
• The "Brand Voice Enabled" indicator will appear next to settings when active

Web Search Extensions

Available Extensions

Search on Web supports multiple search extensions, which may include:

• Wikipedia: Encyclopedia content
• DuckDuckGo: General search engine results
• Other available extensions: Depending on your organization's configuration

Default Extension

A default extension is pre-configured for web searches:

• The default extension is set by administrators
• To check or change the default extension, administrators can access: Configuration > Application Settings > Web Search

Adding Extensions

Extensions are managed at the system level:

• Extensions are added through Extension Management
• Contact your system administrator to request additional extensions
• For information on creating custom extensions, refer to the Extension Management documentation

Asking Effective Web Queries

Query Guidelines

• Phrase your query as you would in a search engine
• Include specific keywords related to your topic
• Be precise about what information you're seeking
• Specify sources if you have preferences (e.g., "from Wikipedia")

Example Queries

Good Query	Why It Works
"Latest advances in quantum computing 2024"	Specific topic with timeframe
"Compare solar panel efficiency ratings"	Clear comparison request
"Definition of blockchain technology from reliable sources"	Specifies type of information and source quality

Query Rephrasing

If you're not getting desired results:

1. Type your initial query
2. Press Alt+L on your keyboard
3. The system will suggest a rephrased version of your query
4. The rephrased query will appear in the input box
5. Press Send to search with the rephrased query

Understanding Web Search Responses

Response Structure

Web search responses typically include:

• A comprehensive answer synthesized from online sources
• Direct quotations where appropriate
• Links to original web sources
• Citations indicating which sources provided which information

Response Actions

After receiving a web search response, you can:

• Like/Dislike: Provide feedback (with option for additional comments)
• Listen: Hear the response via text-to-speech
• Copy: Copy the entire response with formatting
• Modify Response:
  • Simpler: Get a simplified version
  • Shorter: Receive a condensed response
  • Longer: Get a more detailed explanation
• Regenerate: Create a new response to your query

Source Attribution

Source Links

Web searches always provide attribution to sources:

• Links to original web pages are included in responses
• The system prioritizes reliable sources based on your query
• Source links may appear inline or at the end of responses

Source Relevance

Sources are selected based on:

• Relevance to your specific query
• Reliability of the source
• Recency of information
• Coverage of the topic

Additional Features

Follow-up Questions

After receiving a response:

• The system generates 3-4 relevant follow-up questions
• Click any suggestion to automatically ask that question
• Follow-ups help explore the topic in more depth

Conversation Context

The system maintains context throughout your conversation:

• Follow-up queries build on previous information
• The system remembers what sources have been referenced
• You can refer back to previously mentioned information

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue	Solution
No results found	Try rephrasing your query or using more common terminology
Too general results	Make your query more specific with additional keywords
Outdated information	Specify recency in your query (e.g., "in 2024")
Extension not working	Try selecting a different extension or contact administrator

When to Switch Chat Modes

If Search on Web doesn't provide what you need:

• Use "Search Knowledge" for internal organization information
• Use "Ask AI" for creative tasks or questions not requiring web lookup

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For additional information about web search extensions and configuration, please contact your system administrator or refer to the Extension Management Documentation.