Home > Articles > Operating Systems, Server > Microsoft Windows Desktop

This chapter is from the book

This chapter is from the book

Performing Natural Language Searches

If using properties and boolean filters seems a little too much for you to handle, you can find files using natural language search, which allows you to perform the same property or boolean search, yet use a form that is easier to use. Instead of kind: document author: (Steve AND Holly), you can type documents by Steve and Holly. Before you can use natural language in a Search box, you need to turn it on under the Search tab in Folder Options in the Control Panel.

Turn On Natural Language Search

  • one.jpg Click the Start button, and then Control Panel.
  • two.jpg Click Appearance and Personalization, and then click Folder Options.
  • three.jpg Click the Search tab.
  • four.jpg Select the Use natural language search check box.
  • five.jpg Click OK.

Perform a Natural Language Search

  • one.jpg Click in the Search box at the bottom of the Start menu or at the top of an Explorer window.
  • two.jpg Type a natural language search. Some examples include:
    • documents modified today
    • e-mail from holly sent this week
    • music by Mozart
    • videos of family created December 2008

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.