I made three new custom search engines to help readers research key issues mentioned on this site. Basically each one is limited to search only within the top 3-10 forums, blogs, and support pages for the topic.

These will save a lot of time since you can now do just one search, instead of having to search every forum every time you have a question.

Here they are. Let me know how they work. I’m also adding them to the Helpful Resources sidebar so you’ll always have an easy link to them.

1. Ubuntu Search (Searching *.ubuntuforums.org, *.ubuntu.com/ )
2. GoldMine Search (Searching *.frontrange.com, *.contactreview.net, *.castellcomputers.com, *.thegmblog.com)
3. QuickBooks Search (Searching *.quickbooksgroups.com, *.intuit.com )

Let me know if you have more resources, or blogs I can add to any of these search engines.

Posted by Greg Pinero (Primary Searcher) as QuickBooks, GoldMine, Searching Better, Ubuntu at 11:40 AM MST

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Here’s the biggest one, the folks seem helpful:
Javascript IRC Chat on Freenode

Or you can find a lot more options with this search.

Posted by Greg Pinero (Primary Searcher) as Other, Web Services, Searching Better at 2:35 PM MST

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Here are two new and intriguing search engines I’ve come across recently. If you’re a searching-tools-early-adaptor or you’re just stuck in a searching rut, you may want to try them out.

Huckabuck gives you sliding equalizers enabling you to choose how many of your results come from each of the major search engines (even includes Technorati, Digg and Del.icio.us).


Seth Godin’s review inspired me to try it out:

I like the way Huckabuck lets you get past the first page problem. Most searchers look at a page or two of results and then give up. If you use the sliders, though, you can radically change the texture of the first page, exposing you to ideas you would have missed otherwise.

The other tool is Rollyo which lets you build your own search engine by selecting various websites for it to search. (Heh, it doesn’t let you put in google.com though.)

I built one here that searches the Ubuntu forums, Linux Forums, and the Ubuntu Guide. It hasn’t proven itself too useful yet as it has missed a few results that a search of the actual Ubuntu forums did find.

If you have found any new search techniques or tools that have improved your search results, be sure to leave a comment. I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve my searches.

Tags: Search, Search engines, Digg, Del.icio.us, Rollyo, Huckabuck, Searching rut

Posted by Greg Pinero (Primary Searcher) as Searching Better, Ubuntu at 1:12 AM MST

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