Open Text has a useful form for simplifying Boolean searches. Boolean logic allows for even more precise searches, but plus and minus signs can be used effectively, too. Most search engines will allow you to refine your search. If your initial search results in long hit lists, you can narrow your search by adding more terms. This searches your original results for an additional term or terms you specify.
Special searches are also available.
For example, you can do a backwards search, where you type in the URL of a Web page and see what other pages link to it. Most researchers use this feature to discover who has linked to their home pages. You can also let search engines send you to a random site when you want to take a break. Don't spend a lot of time agonizing over the right search tool. As you discover the particular strengths of each tool, keep them in the back of your mind when deciding how to begin your research.