When you're job hunting, how can you BEST research the company?

I came across an article on the Simply Hired Blog that gives a good Company Research 101 break down.

http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/07/research-is-key-7-questions-to-answer-before-applying-to-any-company.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=jul12 

In addition, I believe that the MOST important step is to talk to actual employees in a neutral dialogue if possible. I've hired several folks that have mentioned that you never know about a company until you've been there for a while. I agree but I don't think we have to be the one's to "try out" the company for a couple months to see if it's a right fit. That is not feasible and I prefer not to gamble with my career like that.

So talk to employees who have already done the "try out" for you. Ask them any questions that you feel would help you to know if the company is right for you. This is one of the best ways to research a company, if you can get the employee in an open and honest dialogue. 

Networking to find a job: Are you a parasite?

Here is a link to an article that brings up a few good points on how to network without ruining relationships:

http://alumni.byu.edu/s/1085/03-provo-Alumni/index.aspx?sid=1085&gid=7&pgid=3054