Here are some tools which are useful for internet investigations.
Links to selected news stories
US: CHEA data base of accredited colleges/schools
UK: DfES lists of “recognized” and “listed bodies”
Internet (and news group) searches via Google
Domain registration information
http://www.whois.sc/
(also good for domain registration history, but requires paid membership)
http://www.networksolutions.com/
http://www.dnsstuff.com/
reverse IP information
(gives domains at a particular IP address)
(US) aerial photos
Reverse phone number directory
Reverse address directory
UPS store lookup
Internet archive