Ask Jeeves Desktop Search
I downloaded and used Google's desktop search utility for a couple of weeks. I uninstalled it a few days ago, unimpressed. I fell back on Lookout for mail and document search in combination with the File Finder that is part of the freeware PowerDesk software.
But I think I may have replaced them both in one fell swoop, today, with the download of Ask Jeeves Desktop search. I think these guys have the leg up on the competition--not that Ask Jeeves is nearly as broad or powerful as Google--but for three additions in their search utility that are missing from the others I've tried:
1) The tabbed interface lets me search on a term across files on my hard drive, but then select the tab that includes, for instance, only my image files. This is not unique, but is very clearly set out graphically.
2) A single click on each file in the results window brings up a preview of the file's content. In the case of images, it shows a thumbnail of the image along with file size and creation date.
3) and one really bright spot: the AJ Search becomes part of all search dialogues--obviously the time you really could use retrieval capabilities of something better than Word's File Open dialogue that only lets you chose from files visible in the folder but not across all folders. A little AJ window opens directly above the "file open" window and lets you type in your terms to find the file wherever it is on your hard drive. Very Clever!
I don't like it that it will not open a web link in FireFox--MSIE only for now. There are a few other little irritants, but hey--it's only in beta--and I read that bigger things are planned for the near future.
This also is a tight program (only about 700k, I think.) It did a fast index of my hard drive in less than five minutes.
Comments
When they announced that the Beta version of Google Desktop was available, I scurried to download it. I, like you, had it on my computer for a couple of weeks or so--then uninstalled it. For my simple needs, the search tools built into windows and office are sufficient, and I found that GD slowed my machine (at least, I thought) noticeably.
The fewer software packages and gadgets on my machine, the better I like its performance. I am awed by those of you who actually learn how to use the software packages that you have, so glibly. Glad that you found something so useful and that you shared your thoughts with us.
Posted by: Cop Car | December 19, 2004 7:00 AM
You installed a beta on XP?
Okay.
Posted by: Feste | December 19, 2004 3:13 PM