Adding a Search Engine to Your Site

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1) Outsource a pre-created script

2) Install your own script

Just like anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to both methods.

Outsourcing a Search Engine

If you outsource a search script, you don't have to worry about installation or configuration. 

Usually you just paste a few lines of code into your site and the site that hosts your search function may allow you to customize the search result page.

The downside to outsourcing is that you don't have complete control of how the search function works and how it is displayed on your site.  You also may have to put up with advertising on the results page.

I have actually chosen to outsource my site's search engine.   I use a company called Master.com.  They are free, easy to use and they allow you to customize your results page. Enter some search words in the search box on the left and see how it works.

Installing Your Own Search Engine Script

If you do a Google search for "search engine script", you can find tons of sites that offer free search engine scripts.

Most of them are written in Perl/CGI or ASP so they do require you to know a bit about configuring scripts and uploading files.

Even though the search engine script is already written you still need to install it on your web server.  This may require you to get some information from your web host because the scripts usually ask you to input certain information regarding your host.

If you have a basic understanding of installing scripts then you shouldn't have a problem.  However, if this intimidates you I'd recommend outsourcing a search function like I did.

For a listing of search engine scripts go to
http://cgi.resourceindex.com.