Method and system in a computer network for an intelligent search engine

A system for enhanced on-line search processing in a distributed computer network which includes at least one on-line search engine at a network cite remote from a local network site, said system comprising:

• means for designating an independent user-defined plug-in program to be stored at said local network site for limiting the scope of on-line data searches;
• means for transmitting at least one search parameter from said local network site to said at least one on-line search engine at said network site remote from said local network site to initiate a search by said on-line search engine throughout said distributed computer network for data related to said at least one search parameter;
• and
• means for automatically linking said independent user-defined plug-in program with said at least one search parameter such that a result of said search initiated throughout said distributed computer network will be filtered utilizing both said at least one search parameter and said independent user-defined plug-in program.

A program product residing in a computer for permitting enhanced on-line search processing in a distributed computer network which includes at least one on-line search engine at a network site remote from a local network site, said program product comprising:

• instruction means residing in a computer for designating an independent user-defined plug-in program to be stored at said local network site for limiting the scope of on-line data searches;
• instruction means residing in a computer for transmitting at least one search parameter from said local network site to said at least one on-line search engine at said network site remote from said local network site to initiate a search by said on-line search engine throughout said distributed computer network for data related to said at least one search parameter;
• and
• instruction means residing in a computer for automatically linking said independent user-defined plug-in program with said at least one search parameter such that a result of said search initiated throughout said distributed computer network will be filtered utilizing both said at least one search parameter and said independent user-defined plug-in program.