Browsing the web has become a fundamental part of using a computer, but so many are still challenged by finding what they need. You made it this far, so I can assume you have some skill, but here's a few basic tips for novice "surfers"...
Many people don't even realize they can choose the default web page that opens when they launch their web browser. Often, your home page is set by the internet connection software you install, or it is left as the default page of the operating system / browser. A good starting point makes browsing the web much easier, so make sure the page that opens first is actually useful to you.
A few characteristics of a good home page:
Many websites will encourage you to "Make this your home page", but how often do you really want to see that page? If you find yourself more often than not opening your browser and not even looking at your home page before moving on, then maybe you could save some time by having a more relevant home page.
There are a lot of customizable news / portal pages out there. Pick one that has lots of options, configure it to your liking, and make it your home. You may find you don't have to go much further than that to get what you need a lot of the time.
Search technology has revolutionized the web, and continues to grow and evolve. A good search engine that provides relevant results without too many tampered and paid listings makes a world of difference in the time it takes to find information. Many browsers have built-in search functions, but the engine behind them may not be the best one available. Find a good search engine and use it directly, or configure your browser to use the search engine of your choice, if that option is available.
If searching is your primary means of getting around on the web, make sure your home page is or has an interface to the search engine of your choice.
Many modern web browsers allow you to right-click a link and choose "Open in a new tab" to open the new page without leaving the original page. This is especially useful when you have the results from a search engine, and you are trying to find the most relevant site listed. Opening each one in a new tab allows you to navigate through that site without losing your place and having to back-track to get back to your search results.
Opening additional tabs is also good for comparing information on two or more web sites. Instead of constantly using the back and forward buttons, you can switch from one tab to the other.
Unfortunately, the most common web browser, Internet Explorer, does not include this feature. In IE, you can right-click a link and choose "Open in a new window" to open the link in an entirely new window. It's not quite as efficient as using tabs, but it achieves some of the same results.
The biggest problem with web browsers other than Internet Explorer is that so many websites are written specifically for IE and not tested in any other browser. Consequently, some sites don't look right or don't work at all in another browser such as Firefox. Don't assume this is a problem with the browser - usually, it is a problem with the page itself and a lack of understanding on the part of the website's creator. If possible, you should write to the owners of these websites and encourage them to design their pages using standards so that they can be viewed by all browsers.
Many people have saved links to interesting websites, but never go back because the link is buried in a list with 300 others. Using folders and a logical structure, you can organize your Favorites so that you know where everything is. Also, you should periodically go through your favorites and delete those you no longer care about or that no longer work.
Forgot to save that site as a Favorite? If you went there in the last couple of weeks, chances are, it's in your browser's history. Most web browsers keep a list of all pages viewed for a configurable period of time (default is often 90 days). Check it first before trying to hunt down that site again. It will not only include the website, but what pages you looked at on the website.