For maximum benefit, however, you need to recognize it is useful in several distinct ways. Some Web sites, such as The New York Times Online, are firmly grounded in print, even down to the look and feel of traditional sources, but with a speedier publication cycle allowing almost continuously updated content. Still other Web pages and sites, including some you may eventually use for research, are unlike anything that ever appeared in print. Since the Web is a new medium, using it for scholarly research requires caution. In the first place, try to identify stable, reputable sources.
Search engines return too many hits more often than too few.
This is mostly due to a lack of proper indexing on the Web, and inconsistency among search tools. Look for sites that are kept up to date and which have an identifiable author or responsible party. Individual or hobbyist sites found on free hosts like Geocities or Angelfire are often entertaining and even authoritative for some subjects, but probably should not be your primary source. In many cases, what they sell is information. Some offer a limited set of services or data for free, and more complete packages for those willing to pay.