Thinking outside the search box

I remember when the idea of a search engine was a novelty. Maybe 12-15 years ago, when a new search engine (like dogpile or ask jeeves) came out it would generate a pretty substantial buzz, maybe even making it onto mainstream news sources. Now your website is basically trash if it doesn't include at least an internal search engine. The technology has just exploded to encompass multiple world wide web search engines, some with a specific focus or features that others don't have.

One thing that's missing from most of the engines I've checked out, however, is a graphical interface. Digg Labs has some great visualizations but they're not really a search engine and, although the visualizations provide much-needed respite from the monotony of text-only listings (that's one reason I dis prefer reddit as a news source) they don't really add functionality to your search options.

What about a fresh approach, something new?  Check out the Your Ergo! It's actually a download-able program. Mostly I prefer to keep my bits and bytes on the web, with the notable exception of Google Earth. But Ergo's search engine is worth installing an extra program. It's a perfect match between eye candy and functional efficiency. The download is free, but if you need support you'll most likely have to fork over some cash. But it's so easy to use, unless you confuse a laptop with a waffle maker you probably won't have any difficulty.

This is truly a revolutionary program and if you use it to its full potential it has the potential to enhance the way you interact with the world wide web and your home PC. Unfortunately, no Mac or Linux version seems to be available, but perhaps that will change in the future. Happy searching!