A good researcher would always know that a "how to find document" manual continuously changes along with varying methods of information sharing. In the era of computers, researchers must know how documents are stored, managed, and retrieved within a personal computer, a network, or even the Internet.

Technically, a researcher is any person who investigates the nature of things and issues. The best tool that a good researcher can ever have is a nose for the location of information and how they can be found. With the large volume of electronic information being produced on a daily basis, it is critical to determine if the information is accessible, accurate, and easily verified. Fortunately, there is a variety of methods and resources that a researcher can easily learn to operate and understand in order to enhance one's search efforts.

Researchers always store electronic information whenever and however possible. For one, electronic data is easier to save and manage. Further, the only physical space required is a spot for a personal computer and external storage devices. Regardless of the operating system, a computer has a built-in search function, which allows a researcher to locate files based on certain attributes: their files names, date of creation or modification, file type, and size. Managing a large number of documents and searching the relevant files are very possible with the help of search software, specifically for documents. This kind of software usually locates files based on keywords and stylized information keyed in by the researcher. However, if you are the type who needs to go beyond these aspects and locate information within documents without having to read the entire content of one file after the other, finder utilities for documents are highly recommended.

Documents relevant to a topic also abound in the Internet; the most significant ones are obtained through search engines. Some work on titles while others locate keywords in files and websites. Search software and finder utilities can also locate files in the Internet; some can even extract relevant sections within a document to simplify a researcher's search task. Unlike search engines, search software, and utilities automatically generate reports on the keywords typed and results obtained in every search attempt. Hence, the researcher can review all search actions done, further enhancing future methods of locating files.

The search for documents in the Internet requires caution and a prudent appraisal on the quality of available documents obtained from search results. The Internet allows all primary and secondary sources of information to upload data. As such, it is essential to know who and what these sources are by evaluating their credibility. The best sources of information are in the websites of institutions and individuals who have gained prominence and credibility in their fields of expertise. Universities and research institutions usually upload some, if not all, results of their research projects, which are confirmable. These websites also reveal contact information, such as e-mail addresses, of the people involved in the research projects to allow a researcher to directly get in touch with them.

Information is not so difficult to find. With a computer and Internet connection, a researcher is already ahead by leaps and bounds. One can only go as far as sharing his or her experiences on obtaining data, but the best results would always come from one's patience to get to know methods and resources that enhance efforts on how to find document.