The list below includes several of the major search engines and directories. No search engine can index more than a small percentage (according to some reports, no more than 10%!) of the Web. If you merely want to surf the 'Net, any of these will do. However, if you are doing research, use several, just as you would using print resources.
In a Search engine, a user types in a term(s) and views the results of that search. There is no editor overseeing quality of results. Search engines try to index every word on millions of web sites. In a directory, the user is given broad topics and makes selections to narrow down that topic (e.g. Sports, basketball, professional, women: WNBA). A team of editors usually decides if a site should be listed in the directory, but that does not automatically mean the sites chosen are the best available.
Each search engine handles inquiries differently. Look for a "help" or "search tips" link to read how to use the one you have chosen most effectively. You will also probably discover as you use them which you are most comfortable with.
A 
indicates a search tool that may be more helpful than others.
Some general searching tips:
These sites allow you to search in a number of search engines/directories at one time. This can be a time-saving measure. However, the results returned by a metasearch engine are not always identical to the search done on the individual search engine. Try your search in more than one, as the search tools they retrieve from vary.
Wikipedia calls itself an encyclopedia. An encyclopedia is not a search engine, since it is self-contained and does not look for your search term anywhere other than within its own site.
Updated February 26, 2007
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