NetFerret FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General:
1. I have just downloaded WebFerret, how do I start it?
2. Can I redistribute / put a link on my page?
3. How do I open a saved search?
4. I'm getting no search results
5. Does WebFerret run on AOL (America Online)?
6. Is there a Windows 3.1 version?
7. How can I add my own search engines?
8. In which order are results returned?
9. My web browser is not launching (or the "wrong" browser is launching)
10. Where can I get the rest of the NetFerrets suite?

Q: I have just downloaded WebFerret, how do I start it?
A: All the NetFerret utilities are distributed in a executable archive format that will immediately start the installation routines when run. Using WebFerret as an example, follow these basic steps and you should be up-and-searching within a minute:
1. Double-click on the downloaded executable file, for example: WebFerret102.exe. This will launch the installation program. Follow the wizard based instructions.
2. WebFerret will be installed into the Find menu, along with the standard operating system Find utilities (such as Find Files or Find Computer). An optional short-cut is also placed on your desktop. The short-cut can be deleted at at any time without affecting the future functioning of WebFerret.
3. Click on the Start button and then on the Find menu option. You will see a World Wide Web pages ... option. Select this and WebFerret will load.
4. Once you're connected to the Internet, it's now a simple case of entering a search keyword and clicking on the Find Now button in WebFerret. Within seconds results will begin to appear.
Q: Can I redistribute / put a link on my page?
A: YES! .. and we'll greatly appreciate it if you do. WebFerret may be redistributed without limitation in it's original download format.
Q: How do I open a saved search?
A: In the current versions of all the NetFerret utilities there is no menu item available for opening saved searches (though coming versions will have this added) and the File | Open menu item in WebFerret has caused some confusion, as it is "greyed out" when WebFerret firsts starts up. This menu item can be used open a web page and launch your browser when you have selected a result.
To open a previously saved search, use Explorer to go to the folder in which you saved the search results. You will see a WebFerret document icon with the name you gave the results when you saved. If, for example, you did a search with the keyword "Internet", the default name for this saved search would be: Web pages containing Internet.WebFerretSearch. Double click on the icon, and a new WebFerret will be loaded with the query results.
Q: I'm getting no search results.
A:There are a number of potential answers and things to check for:
1. Check whether your LAN or ISP connects to the Internet through a proxy (firewall)? If so, go to View|Options|HTTP proxy and enter the proxy configuration details. If not, then make sure that these details have been left blank.
2. Your TCP/IP protocol stack (winsock) may not be compatible with WebFerret. Specifically the Ferrets require a 32-bit winsock, and has problems working with older 16-bit winsocks such as Trumpet Winsock. All development and testing is done on the Win95 TCP/IP protocol stack that comes standard with the operating system, and we therefore suggest using this implementation. For the best possible help on configuring the Win95 stack, read Boardwatch Magazine's definitive "how to" guide. If you are not sure which winsock you have installed, check the Ferret's Help About window, which in all newer versions (beta 0.95 and higher) reports which stack is installed.
3. If you are an AOL member, you will only be able to use the Ferrets with AOL Version 3.0 for Win95. AOL 3.0 for Win3.1 will NOT work.
4. Especially in the case of international connections outside of North America, a direct link through to the search engines from your ISP can go down temporarily. When in doubt try using ping from the DOS prompt to check that you can access a search engine from your machine. For example: ping www.lycos.com
Q: Does WebFerret run on AOL (America Online)?
A: The NetFerret utilities will run on the new 32-bit America Online 3.0 for Windows 95. They will NOT work on previous versions or on AOL 3.0 for Windows 3.1
You can check what version you have by going to the Help | About window of your AOL software. You should see America Online 3.0 for Windows 95
If you have not got the correct version, you can upgrade:
1. Select the Members | Member Services | Helpful Software | Download Latest and Greatest Version of AOL menu item.
2. Select AOL 3.0 for Windows 95
3. Select Upgrade Now
Q: Is there a Windows 3.1 version?
A: The NetFerret code has been written to be portable, however all the Ferrets rely heavily on the operating system's multi-threading capabilities to search multiple databases simultaneously. As multi-threading is not present in Windows 3.1, it is unlikely a Win3.x version will be available in the near future.
Q: How can I add my own search engines?
A: The NetFerret's currently do not have a facility for users to add new search engines. This is mainly due to the complexity of reading and formatting returned results for display in the NetFerret lists (unlike other products, the NetFerret utilities do not require that you open up your Web browser in order to view the results). We can add new and updated search engines configurations "on the fly" without having to release new versions, or you having to download updates.
Q: In which order are results returned?
A: Each request to each engine is fired off simultaneously, but independently, using different "threads". The results are listed in the order that they are received, not on a per engine basis. The response time of a particular engine will vary greatly depending on the conditions of the link to that engine and the current operating load on the engine at that time. Since different engines contain different data, results will obviously differ in content, which is why you should use many engines in order to get the most complete set of results.
Q: My web browser is not launching (or the "wrong" browser is launching)
A: WebFerret does not directly control which browser to launch, but rather looks in the registry to determine the current default HTTP protocol client i.e. the current default browser. As such, it is not WebFerret's choice. A simple test to determine which is your current default browser is type "http:" in the Start | Run menu dialog. This will start up the default browser.
Many users have both Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator installed. These two browsers will tussel over ownership of the HTTP protocol handler and the latest versions of both will ask you, upon running them, if you wish to make that browser the default. If, for example, WebFerret is launching Internet Explorer and you would rather have Netscape launch, open up Netscape and when it asks whether to make Netscape the default, answer yes. It will then be made the default HTTP protocol handler in your registry.
If you have previously chosen "not to be asked the question again" for either browser (or you are not asked whether to make that browser the default on start-up), and wish to switch allegiances again, you will probably have to re-install. One of the benefits of two free choices ;->
Q: Where can I get the rest of the NetFerret Suite?
A: The NetFerret suite is available for purchase at Macmillan Digital Publishing. Stop by and find out more about the rest of the NetFerret Suite today!