The Internet can be extremely useful when conducting research or it can be a very frustrating experience. To avoid the latter, you should become familiar with Internet terminology and tools. If you're unfamiliar with such terms as browser, search engine, FTP, plug-in, ISP, or listserv, Webopedia is a very good online reference. When you're ready to begin your search for information, you'll want to use one or more search engines.
Search engines can search the entire Internet, a specific site, or a specific domain.
Generally, you enter a description of the information for which you're looking, then tell the search engine to find the information by clicking on a button. Each search engine has strengths and weaknesses. And, each has a slightly different set of code set for advanced searches. Meta-crawlers collect your information, send it to several search engines simultaneously, and return the results in a single page. In addition, Search Engine Watch provides comprehensive, current information, tutorials, and fun facts.