Windows Search

Windows Search (WS, in older versions also MSN Desktop Search and Windows called Desktop Search ) is a desktop search program that is based on filter criteria specified by a user accessible documents, files and emails on the hard drive of a Windows system and the network indexed (on UNC shares ) and a fast full-text search allows. WS can replace the traditional file search of Windows Explorer within the Windows XP operating system. For the " Quick Search " integrated WS an input field in the Windows taskbar (Windows XP) or Start menu (Windows Vista). The hits are immediately listed when typing in a drop- down window. For the " Advanced Search" ( this includes the setting of the filter criteria, sort and preview) the Windows Explorer.

Since Windows Vista WS is incorporated as an integral part of the operating system. For Windows XP WS is offered as an optional update. Microsoft Outlook 2007 and 2010 use the " quick search " preferred Windows Search, it put forward but not mandatory.

WS is also available in German language. The download and use of WS are free under Windows.

Supported data sources

Windows will search as specified by Microsoft for more than 200 popular file formats, including e- mails, documents, pictures, music, videos, and PDF files.

Windows Search can be extended by plug-ins called iFilter for indexing of new file formats. iFilter are filter modules that can understand the internal structure of a particular file type and targeted can extract the useful information for indexing. They are usually offered by independent producers who want to make available their own document types the Windows Search. In order for the search feature to find more formats such as packed archive ( ZIP) or MindManager can be extended. The Windows Indexing Service also uses such iFilter.

Database / technology

WS cataloged all the appropriate files to the filter criteria, determines the relevant keywords based on a frequency analysis and stores the index data in a database. Used Microsoft JET DB technology ( which is used, inter alia, for the storage of Exchange Server information stores). The index data are thus present in a single EDB file ( Embedded Database ), which is stored in the user's profile.

WS can replace the traditional file search. There are, however, found only files from WS, which have also been indexed. The indexing is done either on command, or (by default) in the background, or during your access to files. For those looking for files that are not part of the indexed directories, should be switched to the classic search again.

Differences from other desktop search programs / USPs

Unlike other desktop search programs, the Windows Search can be also meets the requirements of the use in ( Windows ) networks:

  • The most important " selling point " is the ability to configure network-wide via the Windows Group Policy ( Group Policy Objects GPO) to control. The desktop search Lookeen 2.0 provides GPO support as of version.
  • When network shares the WS can match the existing index of the server with its own index, unless the server also offers the Windows Search service.
  • It is also possible to exclude certain folders directly in Explorer from the search.

Alternatives

  • Xfriend Desktop Search (Windows, Linux / Unix)
  • Google Desktop
  • AZ Finder
  • Beagle
  • Strigi
  • Svizzer Client Search
  • Yahoo Desktop Search
  • Copernic Desktop Search

System

  • Microsoft Windows XP ( at least SP2 for WS version 3 ), Windows Server 2003 SP1, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows Home Server, Windows 7
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or higher
  • For e -mail indexing: Microsoft Outlook 2000 or later Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 or later. Plugins for other e -mail clients are available on the web.
  • For preview of Microsoft Office documents: Office XP or higher
Electronic document Path (computing)#Uniform Naming Convention Mindjet (software)
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