MSN

MSN Search is what you get if you just type a word or phrase in the (Internet Explorer) browser address bar. This makes it reasonably important. However, the results served up are 'Sponsored' and then 'web results', supplied respectively from Overture, and Yahoo.

Depending upon the subject this can be either pretty reasonable or a waste of time. As the 'paid' listings are displayed first, it can lead to some odd results: the 'web results' often yield more accurate information but are buried at the bottom.

Available in 'Local' variations too, MSN UK has improved beyond recognition since LookSmart was dropped.

With it's results coming from it's chief competitors, it can only be a matter of time until MSN develops and runs it's own paid programmes and web results.