Clustered results from your favorite sites

By Tom Mighell on February 13, 2004

My favorite meta-search tool Vivisimo has been working on providing its “clustering engine” search functionality for other websites, and the results are great. Now you can search FindLaw and receive clustered search results. You can also run Vivisimo-like searches with eBay,PubMed, and FirstGov. Nicely done.

Take searching to the next level

By Tom Mighell on February 13, 2004

Posted in Internet Search

Chris Sherman has a review of the new book The Extreme Searcher’s Internet Handbook, a collection of high-quality websites as well as tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Internet searching. There’s also a companion Extreme Searcher’s Web Page, with links to the sites mentioned in the book.

Wolves in Sheeps’ Clothing

By Tom Mighell on February 13, 2004

Posted in Security

With the sudden onslaught of spyware and adware, there has been a similar onslaught of utilities promising to rid your computer of the dastardly software. But, in classic “Trojan Horse” fashion, many of these programs are actually installing the types of software they are supposed to erase.

Two…Dos…Zwei…Deux

By Tom Mighell on February 13, 2004

Posted in Internet Search

Most people use two word phrases when they use a search engine, according to web analytic provider OneStat. Over 32.58% of web searches are two words, with 25.61% of searches using three word phrases.

Too Much Information

By Tom Mighell on February 13, 2004

Posted in Privacy

I have always been a big fan of agencies placing their data online, where the general public can find it and make use of it. But this is a problem — a New York agency posted confidential information about hundreds of children on the Office of Children and Family Services website, where it remained available…

Blawg of the Day

By Tom Mighell on February 12, 2004

Posted in Blogs and Blogging

Fellow Texan and Houston Attorney Tom Kirkendall recently debuted Houston’s Clear Thinkers, which will feature his and his friends’ “observations regarding developments in law, business, politics, culture, sports, and other matters of general interest to the Houston legal and business communities.” Looks like lots of matters of interest to Houston residents. Give it a

What was that sound?

By Tom Mighell on February 12, 2004

Posted in Search Engines

Now you can search for sounds on the Internet, of all things. FindSounds lets you search the Internet for sound effects and musical instrument samples. So if you need to download a hiss, a splat, a giggle, or a howitzer, you’ll find them all here. Chris Sherman has a reviewhere.

Mamma Mia

By Tom Mighell on February 12, 2004

Posted in Search Engines

Mamma, the “mother of all search engines,” (it’s really a meta-search tool) unveiled new search features last week. Included in the new goodies are query term highlighting, customization of results, and something called “search math,” which allows you to include or exclude certain terms from your search.