Metacrawler combines 9 search engines into one
Written: Dec 18 '02
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The thing I like best about Metacrawler is that it uses nine of the top search engines on the web to find results. These search engines include Google, Looksmart,Inktomi, Ask Jeeves, About, Overture, FindWhat, FAST, and Teoma. Why use a single search engine when you can use Metacrawler and search nine of them simultaneously? I find that by using Metacrawler, I get more accurate results, which saves time and trouble.
Search Options
With Metacrawler, you can search for web pages, directory listings, audio/mp3, images, multimedia, news, message groups, and shop. All you have to do is click the category tab and then type in your search query in the box.
Advanced Search
The advanced search options aren't as extensive as some other search engines, but they are still useful. The Keyword Default tells Metacrawler to search for "any" of the words in your query, "all" of the words, or the "exact phrase" of what you typed. The View Results option lets you customize how the results are sorted. You can have them sorted by how well they match your search query or by the source it came from. The Engines to Use option lets you select which search engines to be used. Along with the default search engines listed above, you can also choose to add Excite Precision Search, OpenDirectory, Overture, and Sprinks. Quantity lets you choose the number of results to be displayed on each page and the maximum number of results from each search engine. You can have either 10, 20, or 30 results per page and the same number for results per source. The Speed/Timeout option lets you select the amount of time to wait for your results. You can set it for anywhere from 5 seconds to 2 minutes. The last advanced option is the Default Interface, where you can choose between a normal search and a low bandwidth search. The low bandwidth search is recommended for older browsers.
Other Things Metacrawler Offers
Along with searching, you can open your own free mail account. Signing up is pretty simple. Metacrawler also offers a Tools & Tips page. The Tools & Tips page has some interesting links, such as the MetaSpy which lets you look at what other people are searching for, and it also offers help and advice to make your search easier and faster.
Overall
Metacrawler is a great search engine overall. The site is easy to use and it returns good, accurate results. I usually find what I need in the first page. It does have some dead links, but most of the links I've ever clicked on have worked. The results return pretty fast, the longest I've had to wait is around 10 seconds. Usually most of my results come back within 3-5 seconds. While it does lack some of the advanced and technical search options which can make your searching more personal and helpful, it doesn't take away from the usefulness of the site at all. By combining the top search engines on the web, Metacrawler makes searching easy and fast.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
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Member: Lisa
Location: palm bay, fl
Reviews written: 40
Trusted by: 59 members
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