Advantages Generally faster than other search solutions. Disadvantages Your web server may not have an integrated search module. Usually requires full access to the web server. You may not get such access unless you run your own web server. Advantages Usually faster than using scripts.
Disadvantages Usually requires full access to the web server.
In most cases you need to be running your own web server or at least have administrative access to it, in order to install this type of search programs. If none of the above options are available to you, you may be able to use a CGI script to search a set of directories on your web server. If you can install custom CGI scripts, you have the flexibility to choose from many CGI search scripts. Advantages There are many platform-independent Perl scripts to choose from. Can be used on most web servers with CGI access.