Internet Explorer 5 uses this search site as its default. Search results are supplemented by Inktomi. Many results come from the Open Directory, with paid listings also making an appearance. More results come from Google. Northern Light also offers a searchable database of documents from thousands of sources such as newspapers and magazines, but charges users to read them.
Searches are always free.
The Open Directory is a human compiled directory where any internet user can become an editor and be responsible for some part of the index. Many other services use Open Directory listings, like Netscape search, Lycos, AOL search, AltaVista and HotBot. It uses the same index and ranking system but no portal feature. Obviously introduced to combat Google's policy, but with nicer presentation. No fun though.