Effective Web Searching

If you click a link and get the dreaded “Error 404, Document Not Found” message, do not despair. The message confirms that the site exists, and the Web page you want may still be there. Delete the last part of the address until you come to the next “/”. Hit enter and see what you get. If it's another error message, repeat the process. Eventually you'll end up on the home or index page, which may very well have a search box, or a link to the page you're looking for.

Finally, keep in mind that in many cases, the Web sites at the top of your search result are there because the owners of those sites have paid for prominent placement. Some search services are clearer than others about what has been paid for and what has not. Take the time to read the “help” section, which usually spells out the service's policies, and frequently offers valuable tips for making the most efficient use of that particular engine. And check back regularly; the best services frequently add new features to keep up with cutthroat competition.