If you know the name of the software file you're seeking, you can use FTPsearch, for example, to find the software location. Many of these files are stored on more than one computer, so if one is busy, you can download a copy from another one on the list. Because there are so many newsgroups in so many locations, the ability to search for newsgroups addressing specific topics is very helpful. One newsgroup search engine is Deja News. Additionally, many general search engines include newsgroup categories in their directories, with useful options for specifying your precise range of limitations.
Gopher sites remain useful to Internet research.
Familiar search tools like Archie, Jughead and Veronica still exist for searching gopher sites. Gopher sites can also be searched using some Web directories like Galaxy. Galaxy has advanced search features that allow users to indicate that they want to include gopher sites in searches. You should consider the source of the information with the same criteria you would use for any written material. No perfect search tool exists, but if you make use of the tools available, you can find most anything in the online world.