Microsoft launches desktop search tool

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AlbertPacino

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Google, which became the Web's top search engine after its debut in 1998, was the first major search company to roll out a test version. Search rival Yahoo Inc. released its test, or beta, desktop search tool in January.

While Google, Yahoo and Microsoft are competing on the Windows desktop, Apple Computer Inc. has also beefed up search capabilities for its Macintosh computer operating system. The latest Mac OS, called Tiger, includes a fast desktop search tool called "Spotlight."

Christopher Payne, vice president of MSN Search, said Microsoft's desktop search tool was more flexible, offering users the ability to exclude sensitive information from the search index.

Microsoft's new desktop search, which can be downloaded from http://desktop.msn.com, can also be accessed from the Internet Explorer Web browser, the Outlook e-mail and contacts program or from the Windows desktop.

"It's actually a time-saver," Payne said.

Using add-ins, users can also search more than 200 different file types, including Excel, PowerPoint, MP3, GIF and JPG files. PDF documents can be searched by the tool by downloading software components from Adobe Systems Inc. .

MSN, Google and Yahoo desktop toolbars are free downloads, and are aimed at attracting users to their online services.

Payne said Microsoft would also offer its desktop search tool to enterprises for use on corporate computers.

Source

Microsoft Delivers Powerful Upgrade to Desktop Search Capability for Windows Customers
 
~HeadShot~ said:
Hmm... Let's see how this ploy of MS turns out to be! ;)
Click to expand...
its no ploy...infact, m$ was the first to comeup with this desktop search idea until google and others stole it ;)
still, i'd say m$ desktop search is the best out there and even beats google and yahoo offerings..the msn search algo is an improved one and it can seriously threaten google now. :)
 
QuickFire said:
its no ploy...infact, m$ was the first to comeup with this desktop search idea until google and others stole it ;)
still, i'd say m$ desktop search is the best out there and even beats google and yahoo offerings..the msn search algo is an improved one and it can seriously threaten google now. :)
Click to expand...

If Google feels that MS is becoming a threat, then they too may improve their algorithm!
BTW, most of the people might be knowing that microsoft always had this desktop search feature embedded in their windows from way back since Win ME. It was called "Indexing". But, MS never saw the potential in it for tapping a huge market. And hence, never touted it as an advertising feature. Also, their Indexing system was never as fast and accurate as Google's was.
Then, Google came in and realised the folly made by MS, they went on to make one of the world's best desktop search products.

Moral of the story: MS invented (err..not exactly), but still the credit goes to them for implementing it in their products; and Google innovated it.
So you see "innovation" is the keyword here.

Let us not side with either of the companies for the competetion might actually turn out to be good for us! :ohyeah:
 
It's true what Quick said,it is a much much better then google & for sure Yahoo! (that one was scary).

but google is a fast very fast developing company,they made a huge mistake with the google accelerator but no1 is immune to mistakes,google has lots & lots of good surprises hidden for
us...
 
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