Windows Search Updated

An incremental update to Microsoft’s desktop search tool offers better performance, improvements for administrators, and the ability to search files that have been encrypted or that are located on remote network-connected computers. Released in June 2008 for recent versions of both Windows desktop and server OSs, Windows Search 4.0 should continue to keep Microsoft well-positioned against Google and other competitors in desktop search.

Updates to Stave Off Competition

First released in 2004 as part of an MSN application called the MSN Toolbar, Microsoft’s desktop search technology was designed to help consumers find information stored within files on their PC, including text within documents and e-mail messages. Since then, Microsoft has renamed the technology Windows Search and turned it into a core Windows service for both consumers and business users, adding tools for administrators (e.g., to control installation and features via Group Policy), creating a version that could be installed on Windows Server 2003, and—most important—shipping it as part of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.