Patent ID: RE42527

Claim:
A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising: (i) receiving a display of a first interface comprising, at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in alphabetical order in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to no more than 30 second level search categories each which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent said first level search categories, and a scroll bar adjacent said first level search categories for navigating through said first level search categories; (ii) pointing and clicking on a first level search category; (iii) receiving a display of a second interface comprising a plurality of said second level search categories corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each of said second level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to no more than 30 third level search categories; (iv) pointing and clicking on a second level search category; (v) receiving a display of a third interface comprising a plurality of said third level search categories corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each of said third level search categories is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site; (vi) pointing and clicking on a third level search category; and (vii) receiving a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category, wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user's expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.