Altavista is probably the most popular keyword based all purpose search engine. If you are looking for specific files, then use lycos. For specialised subjects, say GM food, MSN or excite might yield better results. If you are looking for lighter reading you might use yahoo. Note that it is difficult to generalise anything with certainty, as trends are changing fast.
Web search is vastly different from casual sifting of channels.
Searching is basically an attitude, a mental disposition. You got to be discerning, discrete, with eye on the details. No search engine is going to be perfect. You need to apply your intuition and judgement. Ultimately, patience is the keyword.