Title: Search
Author: David J. Stein, Esq.
Version: 1.0 - last updated Thursday, June 22, 2006

Abstract: A simple application for quickly launching searches of common websites. For best results, this application should be bound to a Windows hotkey (such as Win+S, or F1, etc.) for launching searches in the quickest possible manner. This application was written to resolve one frustration with modern user interfaces: in order to conduct a search through a website, even very common searches, the user must usually open a new browser window and load up the website first. Browser and OS plug-ins like the Google Toolbar are helpful, but still, the user must usually focus on a textbox control first. It's odd that modern operating systems don't provide one-button access to a general-purpose search utility - we have buttons for rarely-used and even arcane functions (Print Screen, Scroll Lock, SysReq, etc.), but no button that allows instant access to a web search widget. This utility was designed to solve that problem. Assigning this application to any operating system hotkey (an F-key, a Windows key combination, or even a secondary mouse button!) will provide quick access to a general-purpose search application. (The hotkey assignment software is not included in this package, but many options for this package are available on the internet - many of them are even released as freeware.)

Installation Instructions: Simply run the enclosed executable. As noted above, it may be helpful to bind this application to a hotkey via a keyboard combination - this functionality may already be provided by your operating system or keyboard drivers. Alternatively, many hotkey manager applications are available on the internet that can help you accomplish this step.

Operating Instructions: Executing a search through this application is very simple - just type some text into the "Search" box, (optionally) select a search engine from the drop-down list, and hit Enter or click Search. This will close the search window and open a web browser to display the search results. If you wish to modify the list of search engines, simply click "Configure." This will display a list of the search engines for this application, to which you may add, edit, or delete entries. Search URLs: In order to add an entry, you'll need the search URL. This is not simply the URL of the search engine, but the URL that is passed to the search engine in order to execute the search. The easiest way to identify this search URL is to open a web browser, visit the search site, and conduct a search for the term SEARCHTEXT (in all caps.) The search URL will then be displayed in the address bar of the web browser; you can copy and paste this text into the "Search URL" field. (Note: Most, but not all, search engines will be searchable through this application. Search engines that exchange search parameters via HTTP GET instead of HTTP POST will not be searchable through this application.)

Comments: This application is an extremely simple utility that was written in just a few hours - it's really just two simple forms and one regular expression.

Application History:

Questions/Comments: Please contact David J. Stein, Esq. via email at djs10@po.cwru.edu.

Terms and Conditions of Use: Please see the enclosed "License.html" file for terms and conditions of use of this software package.