Desktop search is the name for the emerging field of search tools which search the contents of a user's own computer files, rather than searching the Internet. The emphasis is on data mining all the information that is available on the user's PC, including web browser histories, E-mail archives, word-processor files, and so on.

The only way to achieve reasonable performance when searching several gigabytes of data is to build and maintan an index database. When indexing the files, desktop search tools collect three types of information about files:

1. file and directory names
2. meta data, such as titles, authors, comments
3. content of supported documents.

To search within documents, the tools need to be able to parse many different types of document. This is achieved by using filters that interpret selected file formats. For example, Microsoft Office Filter is used to search inside MS Office documents.

Long-term goals for desktop search include the ability to search the contents of image files, sound files and video by context.

The sector attracted considerable attention with the emering struggle between Microsoft and Google. According to market analysts, both companies are attempting to leverage their monopolies (of web browsers and search engines, respectfully) to strengthen their dominance, bring back memories of browser wars.

Some of the players in this emerging search market segment are:

• HotBot - Lycos HotBot released an adware desktop search toolbar for IE on March 22, 2004
• Copernic - Copernic released a very highly regarded desktop search, Copernic Desktop Dearch 1.1, on October 13, 2004. Version 1.2, available in various languages, was released December 7, 2004.
• Google - Google Desktop Search was released on October 14, 2004. The application integrates into the Google search engine page.
• Autonomy - Autonomy released its IDOL Enterprise Desktop Search on November 29, 2004
• Microsoft - MSN Toolbar Suite beta was released on December 13, 2004, incorporating much of the technology promised for Longhorn, the next version of Microsoft Windows. The search integrates into the task bar and Internet Explorer windows.
• Ask Jeeves - Ask Jeeves Desktop Search Beta 1.7.0. was released on December 15, 2004.
• Yahoo! - Yahoo's beta Desktop Search was released on January 10, 2005.
• AOL - plans to release its own application based on Copernic technology.
• Apple - promised desktop technology for Tiger, the next generation of Mac OS X to be released in 2005. Apple intends to simplify creation of filters for application developers, allowing better indexing of document content.

External links

• Keeper Finders (http://slate.msn.com/id/2111643/), by Paul Boutin, Slate, December 31, 2004 - comparison of Google, Ask Jeeves, HotBot, MSN and Copernic desktop search tools. Copernic is the best, MSN search is second.