The Online Investigation Handbook contains chapters on various topics.  If you are interested in using the handbook as a tutorial, proceed through each chapter in order.  Alternatively, you may wish to jump to sections that are of interest to you and use the handbook as a reference guide regarding a particular topic.  Review a description of each chapter below.  Use the Quick Launch links at left to jump ahead to a specific chapter when reading the handbook.

1 Introduction

An introduction to the Online Investigator's Handbook including a description of how to use this handbook effectively.

2 Internet Investigation 101

Classifications of information discussed in the handbook and how to validate sources.

3 Domains

Discussion of Internet domains in the World Wide Web environment and how investigators can navigate them.

4 Searching the Web

Guide to the various Web searching tools that are available.  Search tools, advanced methods, and common mistakes are covered.

5 Deep Web

Detailed information about how to search deep websites - invaluable information databases that are connected to the web but not searchable via the common techniques described above.

6 News & Newsgroups

How to mine the information available from various news resources and Newsgroups.

7 Records Research

Accessing certain types of records over the Internet.  This chapter focuses on free resources for public records.

8 Organizations & Associations

Various organizations including industry trade groups, volunteer agencies, sports teams have moved online.  Find out how to gather information about a subject from these sources.

9 Anonymous Investigation

As an investigator, protecting your identity when conducting online research is important.  Learn how to investigate anonymously.

References

A list of references that were used in developing this handbook and website.

Tools & Resources

More tools and resources including links to top sites, downloadable Favorites/Bookmarks, and investigative software.