Searching with Beagle

Contents

4.1. Using Beagle
4.2. Search Tips
4.3. Performing a Property Search
4.4. Setting Search Preferences
4.5. Indexing Other Directories
4.6. Preventing Files and Directories from Being Indexed
4.7. For More Information

Beagle is a search tool that indexes your personal information space (normally your home directory) to find whatever you are looking for. Using Beagle, you can find documents, e-mails and attachments, Web history, IM/IRC conversations, address book contacts, calendar appointments, notes, source code, images, music and video files, archives and their contents, and applications.

Using Beagle

To use Beagle, click Computer, enter your search terms in the Search field, then press Enter. The results are displayed in the Desktop Search dialog box.

Figure 4.1. Desktop Search Dialog Box

Desktop Search Dialog Box

You can use the results lists to open a file, forward it via e-mail, or display it in the file manager. Simply right-click an item in the results list and select the option you want. The options available for an item in the results list depend on the type of file it is. Selecting a file in the list displays a preview of the file and information such as the title, path, and date the file was last modified or accessed.

Figure 4.2. Desktop Search Dialog Box With a File Selected

Desktop Search Dialog Box With a File Selected

Use the Search menu to limit your search to files in a specific location, such as your address book or Web pages, or to display only a specific type of file in your results list. The View menu lets you sort the items in your results list according to name, relevance, or the date the file was last modified.

You can also access Desktop Search by clicking Computer+More Applications+System+Search.