Microsoft Corp. launched the final version of its desktop search software, the company announced.

The free software is part of the MSN Search Toolbar Suite, which Microsoft introduced several months ago as a test version.

That version lets computer users search not only by file names but also by the contents of documents, e-mails, calendar entries, pictures and PowerPoint presentations.

The new version expands the types of files supported and lets users customize how the program sorts different files, by date, size, author or sender, among other options.

"You can really slice and dice the results any way you want," said Justin Osmer, product manager for MSN Search.

The final version of the MSN Search software includes preview panes that offer a detailed glimpse at files as they're found on the computer. If you were looking for a picture, for example, you could see the image itself, instead of just an icon and a file name. It's a feature Yahoo Inc.'s desktop search product also offers.

Searching for PDF files based on keywords in the body of the document will require a separate plug-in that can be downloaded with the software.

By: DocMemory
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