Search - Outlook 2007

I believe that Microsoft has really rivaled Google when it comes to search personal computer search. I may sound like a Microsoft fan, but it all boils down to having tools at my figure tips.

In Outlook 2007, in the top right is a search box. While I am at my email inbox, I typed kim, because I am looking for email from Kim Komando. My reading pane pops up with all the email I have received from any kim's. In this case Kim Komando is the only one in which I received email.

My search for kim is highlighted in yellow, thus letting me know that there is where my search criteria appears.
Like the old saying a picture is worth a thousand words, I have put a screen shot of that search below.

Search - Run

The search box above the Start Orb can be used for more than just search. It can be used as a launcher for programs, utilitites, beside looking for that miss placed music file.

To open a program all you have to do is type the file name in the search box. The program will appear in the search box at the top. Then all you have to do is left click on the search result.

Some of the more common utilities you can launch from the Desktop Search box is:

• dxdiag - Direct X and other setting
• cmd - Opens the command line window
• msconfig - Will open the start and running programs utility
• services.msc - Allows you edit the services
• mmc - The Microsoft Management Console

Search - Desktop

One of the new and powerful features in Windows Vista is Desktop Search. I fully like Microsoft's version as opposed to Google's. Vista's search feature does not require an internet connect, which makes me feel better when it comes to the privacy issue.

You get to the search feature in Vista by left clicking on the Start Orb. The search box is right above the Start Orb. All you have to do is start typing in the search box and Vista will start pulling up results to match what you have typed.

The search results from above the Start Orb will sort by category such as History, Files and Communication. This search can even be directed to the internet or your computer and the internet.

You can do this in any window you may have open in Vista. Windows explorer has a search box in the top right if it's window. This search will only be in the specific are searching from i.e. Outlook, Document, etc.