

Note that indexing PDF files can only happen if the file has text embedded with the document image. Adobe Acrobat (PDF) support is especially important, due to the large number of documents in this format. Any decent desktop searching tool should index all major document types- Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher docs, plus other text files, RTF, Web pages saved on your computer, and PDFs. But once the initial index is created, the program sits in the background and quickly adds new or changed documents to the main index. The indexing of files on your hard drive takes quite a bit of time when the program is first installed. When you do a search, the program quickly finds any matches in its index and displays the resulting location of the file. Even if you only search e-mail or other electronic documents once a week, one of these tools will make your life easier.ĭesktop searching programs perform their magic by scanning a local hard drive (or network drive for some programs) and creating an index of the contents.


An Outlook search that might have once taken several minutes now takes a few seconds. They’re far faster than anything that Microsoft currently offers. These tools have completely changed how I find information and are worth investigating if you use Microsoft Office. Recently, I discovered new desktop search tools that have emerged from the online searching world. Windows has a desktop search function, but it’s cumbersome at best and quite slow. However, I often have trouble finding the information that I’m looking for when I need it. I’ve established an elaborate folder on my computer that helps me store documents and manage information. The electronic world has allowed us to gather and store a vast amount of information. Even if you only search e-mail or other electronic documents once a week, one of these tools can make your life easier. Searches that might have once taken several minutes can now take a few seconds. Steve Anderson reviews new desktop search tools that can change how you find information if you use Microsoft Office.
