WITH the search for the best cars, homes, health care, places to stay, movies, bands the list is seemingly never ending - why not let the web give you some guidance? Google offers its own BOTW (Best Of The Web) search function covering web sites on everything from arts to science. But there are some other ones worth visiting, and with a little scratch on the surface you can dig deep.

Best workplaces...

Now, if you want a quality workplace, visit the UK's www.greatplacetowork.co.uk . You may even find your company is already listed! Asda, Virgin Mobile Telecoms and Friends of the Earth were in the top 30. The research data is global, so you can check out Europe, Asia, Latin America and the US. Or you could check out the Department of Trade and Industry's best management practice section on http://www.dti.gov.uk/best practice/management/ . However, if Ricky Gervais's version of the office seems familiar to you and you are job hunting, why not try out our Fish 4 Jobs service at www.fish4jobs.co.uk ?

Tips for travellers...

If you are thinking more about travelling than work, visit Sperling's Best Places web site at www.bestplaces.net . It has looked into the best and worst American cities for sleeping in, being physically fit in, stressfulness and crime rates. It's a good place to do research before travelling to America.

History in the making...

If you are a history buff, then www.besthistorysites.net offers a panacea. It has several key links to help educators lesson plans, teaching history with technology, and covers everything from medieval times, to art, to war on terror research. It is a well-designed site, simple and easy to move around in.

Christian connections...

For Christians, www.botcw.com , Best of the Christian Web, offers a one-stop shop with links to everything Christian, including a built-in Google search banner if you want to look around.

Shop til you drop...

If shopping on the Web is a favourite pastime, or you are just investigating it, you might want to go to www.bestwebbuys.com for some information and advice. It has book section links to book stores, book clubs and best sellers, and has new textbooks and browse sections. It also looks at videos, electronics, bikes and music.

Mind your mortgage...

If you want to explore mortgages, visit www.yourmortgage.co.uk , www.moneyfacts.co.uk or www.bestinvest.co.uk for comparisons and advice.

Healthy option...

If you want to get a medical overhaul of any kind, you might want to try the British Medical Journal's web site, www.best treatments.co.uk . This NHS service provides information on the latest clinical evidence to help you and your doctor make choices for your treatment. It does not advertise medical products or provide biased information, just research results.

Worth a visit...

A site worth visiting is Sub Rosa, which comes from the Latin words meaning under the rose' or secret meeting. The site is a virtual restaurant! The home of the web site is Dundee, Oregon, but the whole thing is served up online. It provides menus, recipes and music - you can listen to the music being played in this virtual underground wine bar. Expect a play list including Grateful Dead. It is online only, but a great virtual experience and no calories! Visit http://www.subrosa.arbre.us or http://home.comcast.net/ sub-rosa/ .