Why recommend 3rd-party search tools?


  1. Posts : 1,261
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit SP1
       #1

    Why recommend 3rd-party search tools?


    I didn't want to start a flame war (which is about where I'm headed in this thread), so I figured I'd rather make this post in the Chillout Room, where it belongs.

    But I seriously needed to ask the question: Why do some member on this forum (and others) recommend 3rd party search tools rookie members, knowing full-well that their recommendation is substandard and will have a negative impact on the new users chance of learning something new?

    Make no mistake, I'm all for everyone being entitled to their own opinions, and I'm an ardent supporte of freedom of choice, but come-on! If you're going to recommend something, at least recommend something this is better than what you're trying to replace!!!

    I recently helped a junior member (justalogin) with a question he had on searching for files, by pointing him to a tutorial I wrote in the Vista Forum on Advanced Searching, to which he responded:

    Wow ! That's an eye-opener !! Thanks for that detailed and exhaustive clarification. Couldn't have asked for more
    Which obviously meant that he approved of my response, and wants to use Windows 7. Unless, of course, I was born on another planet and have no idea how people think).

    But then along cam another (so-called "skilled" member), and recommended a program called "Locate32". Which he is entitled to do, btw. But just have a look at the screenshots that I took of the program after installing it into a Vista virtual machine:
    Why recommend 3rd-party search tools?-image1.jpg
    Why recommend 3rd-party search tools?-image2.jpg
    Why recommend 3rd-party search tools?-image3.jpg

    Seriously, "Locate32" can't even search by file properties other than size and date! What happens if you can't remember the filename, but you can remember some text inside the file, or the title of the song, or the name of the person who sent the email???

    How can "Locate32" possibly be recommended as a better alternative to Windows Search?

    Perhaps in Windows XP it might be a superior search solution to the default, but even then, Microsoft's own Windows Search 4.0 for XP is still a way better solution!

    So if you're going to recommend something, just make sure that your recommendation is based on fact and proper comparison, not on personal opinions, OK?

    Just my own little rant for the day....
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #2

    I agree. It seems to be taking a step backwards.


    On a side note relating to this subject~

    Personally, I never understood the need for advanced search tools at all.

    Of course, Im very particular on how files are named, and where they go.
    (What partiton, disc or library)
    It all must be labeled and placed in a specfic location, or it drives me nuts.
    So I always know where things are.

    But I also understand, not everyone really cares enough to be this maticulous.

    Still, i wouldn't want to downgrade the built in search tool, just in case I would need it one day.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,261
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit SP1
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Wishmaster said:
    Of course, Im very particular on how files are named, and where they go.
    (What partiton, disc or library)
    It all must be labeled and placed in a specfic location, or it drives me nuts.
    So I always know where things are.
    Me too!

    Programming, Downloads, Music, Videos, Documents and everything else is also all sorted according to what the file is for.

    But you try scattering 3+TB of data across 9 hard disks, then even with a distinct folder and file naming structure, it can become rather difficult to find what you're looking for.

    Which is why I like the Windows 7 Libraries feature so much. If ever there was one, Libraries is the crown jewel of Windows 7...
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #4

    I couldn't agree more. I do not understand why some hate them.

    The libraries are an excellent feature & make things so much simpler for me.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 53,363
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #5

    I can understand offering an alternative after all steps possible have been unsuccessful in getting the native search to work the way the poster wants. Something like Everything or Agent Ransack can then be an alternate choice for the poster. I tend to not offer 3rd party workarounds unless the native windows alternative doesn't have the desired functions, or if there seems to be no fix for the proper restoration of functionality beyond a repair install.

    I think it's more about personal preferences, rather that trying to fix/correct a function, or to educate, which are the goals most of us strive for. My opinion of course. A Guy
      My Computer


 

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