JNet's Search Engine Guide

New generation of search tools:

  • PageBull Pictures of the web pages you are looking for. A fast way to peek before you click.

  • Exolead More tricks and advanced search techniques than even Google has to offer

  • Clusty A smart search engine from Vivisimo which emphasizes precision instead of a large number of results. Its real strength is in the sub-categories ut creates if you put in a simple keyword. Ask for "AIDS", for example, and you will get your results organized into subject areas such as Prevention, Treatment and Memorials.

  • Gigablast Also clusters results

  • A9.com A new search engine that uses Google, but gives you plenty of extras. You get the usual web search, but also image search results "Search Inside the Book" results from Amazon.com, reference results and even movies results from a movie database. Plus, you can keep your own notes about any web page and search them.

  • SearchCrystal A different way to search rather than a simple Google list, Search Crystal is a search visualization tool that enables you to compare, remix and share results. You can hunt for pictures, news, blogs or web pages - ending with a sort of map that connects your results.

  • Wisenut Returns results in sub-categories, allowing you to do further searches within topics. For example, a query for "Iraq" offers you categories on Sanctions, News, the Middle East, etc. There is also an advanced search option for those not familiar with advanced tricks.

  • Teoma   A new search engine offers impressive results by using a new technology they call "Subject-Specific Popularity." They ask experts within a specific subject community about who they believe is the best resource for that subject. You almost always get very relevant results, neatly organized and tips on how to refine your search. A brilliant concept. 

  • Kartoo A delightful new search tool, Kartoo takes your keywords and then draws a visual map, with links to other topics that help you refine your search. If nothing else, it's a lot prettier to look at that all those lists from other search engines.

  • Killer Info A new metasearch engine (it uses several search engines at once) that has two intriguing features: You can get a "quick peek" of each result without leaving the results page. And every search also gives you a "Table of Contents", showing you subject topics hidden deep within the search results, making it easier to find the sites you are looking for. For other tools like this, see JNet's Multiple Search Engines.

  • Rollyo Rollyo allows you create your own personal search engines. All you have to do is pick the sites you want to search -- for example, your favourite media or news sources -- and they create a custom search engine for you that returns results only from those pages. Think of it as your personal Google.

  • Jux2 Most people think that the major search engines serve up similar results. In fact, tests show as many as 6 of the top ten results can be different. This web site allows you to compare the top 10 results on Google, Yahoo and Ask Jeeves. Instead of just seeing 10 highly ranked results from one search engine, you see 16-17 highly ranked results from the two combined on a single page. You can also install a browser button to have Jux2 right at your fingertips.

The old stalwarts:

  • Alta Vista  One of the most comprehensive search engines
  • Alta Vista Advanced Many of the same tools you get with Google (search by domain, site) but you can also set the date and use Boolean terms like NEAR
  • Hotbot
  • Hotbot Advanced     Excellent features allow you to focus on a country, dates and other options
  • MSN Search MSN Search MSN has finally officially rolled out its own search tool to compete with Yahoo and Google. While not as good as either, it does have a newer, sleeker interface. By clicking on the arrow next to the Search button, you can also access answers from the Microsoft Encarta encyclopedia. By clicking on "Search Builder" you get some easy-to-use advanced search features.
  • Excite  
  • Lycos
  • Northern Light  Helpful folders to organize your search.  Try its excellent Power Search and Current News search for news sites only
The others: