Patent ID: 8126875

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of utilizing multiple search services and providers in a computer system having a processor, memory and data storage subsystems, comprising: providing a search box within a window of a browser, via a user interface of the computer system; installing a plurality of search providers selected by a user onto the browser of the computer system; receiving a search entry from the user into the search box; receiving a designated search provider from the user, via a menu of the installed plurality of search providers; searching the search entry within a domain of the designated search provider; returning an instant answer to the search entry without user intervention via the user interface of the computer system; returning related search results via the user interface of the computer system, comprising results of any recent searches, results of search suggestions provided by the designated search provider, and results of any previously visited sites that match the search entry; and managing the installed plurality of search providers, wherein the managing comprises one of, changing an order of the menu of the installed plurality of search providers, designating one of the installed plurality of search providers as a default search provider, removing one of the installed plurality of search providers, and changing one of the installed plurality of search providers attributes.