While using the typical search box method of entering a keyword, Northern Light creates windows-type folders that sort the results into a simple but comprehensive hierarchy. These folders, which often have sub-folders beneath them when opened, contain similar sites within the chosen category. It is for this reason that Northern Light is a favorite of many. I just did a quick search of a topic, and Google came up with exactly 999 hits in 0.14 seconds. A very comprehensive site, AltaVista intends to be a portal where users start their daily Internet activities.
Links are also available to local shopping deals and coupons.
Doing a quick search, similar to the one mentioned earlier, Dogpile searched 15 other search engines. In addition to searching for information, Dogpile will also search for images, audio and MP3, auctions, news, files to download, online discussions, business information, streaming media, and other specialized resources. A fun but comprehensive site, which includes data, images, and multimedia capabilities, Highway 61 is a good choice. All are comprehensive, easy to use, and very capable. These are by far not the only search engines - the Yahoo directory of search engines lists over 200, some being very general like those mentioned above, and some being very narrow and explicit, specializing in single topics.