University, trade association and library Web sites often provide good places to start. Search Engines Search engines build databases of key words to help you locate Web sites. You type in one or more keywords, and the search engine returns a listing of the sites that include those terms. There are more than a dozen popular search engines, each offering certain advantages. Most popular search engines are free because they generate revenue from advertisers on their sites.
Some search engines claim they are larger, faster or more selective than others.
Some rate the match to your keywords, and many offer options of listing just the Web page title or alternatively, a summary or several lines of text to describe the Web site. Learn to use advanced techniques to refine your searches. Each search engine offers tips on how to use compound searches. If your search is unsuccessful, try again with alternative words or word orders. Use compound searches using and, not, or near to limit the search.