although programs like Word add formating codes, you can still use a simple text search for actual text within the documents because it's still there in tact, just surrounded by a bunch of other stuff that might look weird in raw form.
As for the programming that Bob and Dave write, it depends on their tools. But most programming tools have build in search features. Dreamweaver, which is my main tool for websites, has a pretty good find and/or find and replace feature.
And you can always use the windows explorer search on any file.
Is there something more specific you are trying to do that I might be able to help with?
Sara
"I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think it's hell." - Harry Truman