Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does WebMenu work?

   WebMenu is a metasearch engine that queries all the reliable and popular sources (major search engines, databases) simultaneously and generates the best results from all these sources; not just one. Results are filtered with duplicates removed, sorted and ranked in real time and presented to you. This, in fact, lets you search virtually entire visible web in true sense as it retrieves results from all good sources at the same time so that you can find the best resources quickly right from us without having search all these sources individually.

   You can find more on how WebMenu works here.

2. What is metasearch? How does it differ from a major search engine?

   A metasearch engine (otherwise known as multi-search engine) searches multiple sources (search engines, databases), retrieves the best results, sorts them internally and shows them. On the other hand, a major search engine only depends on its own database of indexed web pages.

   In short, a metasearch engine produces the best results from multiple sources (major search engines) when a major search engine produces results from its own index only.

   Inside details on our metasearch is available here.

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3. What is Clustering-Search?

   Clustering-Search is a new way to search the web (or any database or content repository) where results are handled differently. Instead of producing a large number of result pages; it analyzes the results, builds a hierarchy of conceptually meaningful folders (clusters) and organizes the results accordingly.

   This helps locate appropriate results faster and in a much easier way. Hence, all the results are organized with-in related folders and sub-folders it is also the best way to analyze and understand the results. With Clustering-Search you do not have to browse page after page, you have all the result pages cleverly grouped with-in relevant folders (clusters).

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4. Are these folders pre-generated in Clustering-Search?

   No. The folders (clusters) are generated on-the-fly. No pre-processing or human intervention is involved. This folder generation process (also known as auto-categorization) is entirely handled by our proprietary algorithm.

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5. Why should I use WebMenu instead of a major search engine?

   There are a number of practical reasons why you should use WebMenu. We mention only a few here.

   The web is growing at an exponential rate and each major search engine is indexing only a chunk of it. In reality it usually represents only a fraction of the visible web. For this simple reason you may not always be able to find exactly what you are looking for (or the most relevant resource) in a specific major search engine.

   WebMenu lets you search virtually all of the visible web with just one click.
   (we search all the popular major search engines at the same time)

   Obviously there are situations where a major search engines is undoubtedly the best choice for you. Major search engines can produce hundreds of thousands (or more) results. This may sound impressive; but you may find it to be a lengthy and daunting process to locate the resources most relevant to your query.

   On the other hand, WebMenu simplifies your life by getting the best results from all the popular major search engines straightaway.

   WebMenu provides instant access to all major engines it queries; so if you feel you still need to get deeper into any major search engine you can always do so right from here.

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6. How do I distinguish between sponsored results and usual results? I have been using a popular search engine ever since but now I am fed up with irrelevant sponsored results always appearing at the top positions !

   We show our paid/sponsored listings in a separate column; usually appearing in a multi-color vertical-column on the right hand side. They are clearly labeled as such.

7. Should I let my kids use WebMenu?

   We tried our best to make WebMenu as family-friendly as possible. By default WebMenu will enforce adult-content filtering (Family-Filter) unless you disable it yourself. This offers reasonable protection against adult or unsuitable content. Generally speaking, your kids should be much safer with us as most other metasearch engines do not even have an effective content-filtering in place.

   Furthermore, we do not allow pop-ups or commercial banners (except for product pictures/links) in WebMenu; this by itself is an additional measure against unsuitable content.

   Please understand, that for complete peace on mind, it is always recommended that you keep an eye on what your children are viewing as it is not always possible to guarantee a 100% protection and we make no claim to that.

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8. What are these small images/links at the top of the page?

   These are your 1-click customization/preference settings. First introduced by us, these switches/links will let you customize your WebMenu so that you can always enjoy the service the way you like it most. You can set your preferred page color, text-style, We hope you will find this new, innovative search interface useful. More on this is here

   - Now, You no longer need to go to a different page to set your preferences.
   - You will see the effects taking place instantly, in the same page !
   - WebMenu will remember your settings and use them when you come back later (cookie must be enabled).
   - stay healthier by keeping your eyes and mind happier.

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9. What is the difference between 'Standard' and 'Lite' pages?

   'Standard' pages are view of the result (default). They may include some additional elements like images, option links etc. 'Lite' pages are smaller in size (html codes) and include minimum possible items/options but with the same search results. 'Lite' pages may be preferable if you use a slower internet connection or simply prefer a simpler page view. More on this is here

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10. What is the difference between 'Combined' and 'Per-Engine' search?

    When 'Combined Search' (also called 'Blended search') is on, results from all sources are mixed together, sorted/ranked and shown in the conventional way. On the other hand, with 'Per-Engine Search' results from each source are processed separately and shown as separate result-blocks. WebMenu lets you switch between these 2 search methods anytime. More on this is here. Back to Top

11. How WebMenu differs from other metasearch engines?
    
    The answer may vary depending on your stand point.

    - WebMenu handles almost all types of search requests efficiently, including complex/boolean queries. Our 'Advanced Search' interface lets anyone make a complex query without having any knowledge of boolean connectors (+, -, "", AND, OR, NOT etc.). WebMenu would probably outclass any other popular metasearch engine on this and whole range of other issues (read on).

    - As for ease of use, WebMenu employs the most user-friendly and intuitive search interface ever built (to date). With instant settings with just a single click, you do not have to be an expert to search like an expert.

    - Family-Friendly: by default WebMenu will enforce adult-content filter (unless you disable it yourself). This ensures better protection for the children in your family.

    - As for browser compatibility: you should be able to use WebMenu with any popular web browser like: Internet Explorer, FireFox, Netscape, Opera etc.

    - Apart from that WebMenu offers 2 versions of the site: 'Standard' and 'Lite' to suit your internet connectivity. And again, you can switch between 'Standard' and 'Lite' pages with just 1 click.

    - WebMenu lets you search using 2 different search methods: 'Combined Search' and 'Per-Engine Search'. You can stick to the search method you like better and switch between them anytime. This unique option provides for the best result analyzing tool for all, notably: journalists, librarians, webmasters, teachers, parents, educators, researchers, students and others with similar interest or purpose.

    - Multiple sorting options: you can view the results sorted by: Relevance, Individual Ranking Details, Popularity, 'Alphabetical or Reverse Alphabetical Order or simply By Source. All of these are to further help find what you need.

    - Multi-lingual interface: if your native language is not English, you can set the instruction language (interface language) in your preferred language (German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Nederlands etc.).

    - Country Search: WebMenu will automatically include the option to search the web for sites related to your own country.

    - No hidden secret: WebMenu strongly supports openness and fairness in the web. Whatever is happening inside WebMenu is open to you all. Our 'Search Viewer' lets to see what others are searching for in real-time.
    We do not manipulate or artificially enhance real search keywords (including similar/related keywords listing) to make them look more impressive.

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    Can I submit my site to WebMenu?

    We are in process of building our own search index. When this service is launched, you will be able to submit your URL's.

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    How do I report a problem with the site?

    Please let us know using this link. It will be helpful if you can include the problem URL as well (if possible).

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