Using master databases for "online chess" is allowed, so it's not cheating. Using them for live games, however, is cheating.

"Research the myriad of possiblities before they make their next move" cannot include using chess engiines.

the sh*t is cheating

 I think those programs that help Chess players make moves should be allowed in unrated games on both Online Chess and Live Chess because they are not affecting your rating, but I do not think they should be allowed in rated games on both Online Chess and Live Chess because it affects your rating and it is not fair to be playing against the program without you knowing it, and it affecting your score. That is like playing against the computer without even knowing it. Also, players who use those programs to cheat are losers that probably are really bad at Chess and want everyone to think that they are a GrandMaster at Chess. Also, I don't think those programs should be allowed in tournaments, so they can get all those trophies, without even thinking about the next move, when really, they just put the move into the program and waited for the next move.

-BlueGator456 

Agreed Gator.  I guess I was not thinking about engines that make the move for you.  That is cheating.

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/community/chesscom-policy-on-cheating

We provide tools to report cheating to our staff. But having several constant and redundant threads on the topic that circulate with the same questions and comments over and over again isn't helpful, and instead causes people to worry more than they need to. If you want to discuss cheating, please do it in this group

http://www.chess.com/groups/home/cheating-forum

I see you haven't yet completed any online (correspondence) games, but have three just getting underway.  From your question, it sounds like this may be a form of game you want to explore.  As philidor pointed out, research is allowed during online games, and many people, myself included, play them as research exercises by taking notes, working out lines on analysis boards, and consulting references, all during the game.  Those activities are perfectly legitimate for CC games (never for live games), but using a computer engine to analyze a position or line is not.

Incidentally, you'll find that in the vast majority of games, consulting references only makes a difference during the first few opening moves.  However, the ability to use analysis boards and keep notes throughout the game makes it a fun exercise for me.