Help > Performing searches

Searching with Perceptive Search

Perceptive Enterprise Search supports several methods of searching. The simplest method of search, the I'm looking for is at the top left of the Perceptive Enterprise Search - Local Administration Console interface and is always visible. Simply enter the search you want to perform and hit [Enter] or click the search button, Perceptive Search will search the indexes you have selected in the My Indexes Catalog.

Additional Search methods:

I'm looking for...
Simply enter the search you want to perform in the I'm looking for search box and hit enter.
Menu-Assisted query
Build simple or compound queries by typing words and clicking buttons in a simple user interface.
Command Based query
Use the full power of the Perceptive Search Query Syntax to create simple or sophisticated queries.
Web Style query
Perform queries using syntax similar to that used in public Internet search engines. Not as powerful or comprehensive as the Perceptive Search Query Syntax, but perhaps more familiar for simple scenarios.
Natural Language query
Type your query in plain, everyday English, as if you were talking to someone. This query does not require the use of the Perceptive Search Query Syntax or any special knowledge.
Concept Taxonomy query
A Concept Taxonomy is a hierarchy of nodes, where each node runs a pre-defined query. These are created using the Concept Taxonomy editor (Tools > Active Index > Concept Taxonomy), and provide a good starting point for occasional users or people unfamiliar with the subject matter of the index. They can also be used to represent a table of contents to your index. They are available to all users of the index. For more information about Concept Taxonomies, see Concept Taxonomies page.
Saved query list
You can save queries that you wish to use in the future. Saved queries can be run manually, or run automatically at predefined intervals using the Perceptive Search Intelligent Agent.
Custom query forms
Custom query forms provide the ability to create an input form that collects parts of a query from the user, and then generates the appropriate query. These can be very powerful since the generated query may be complex and exact, even though the input is simple. See Custom Query Forms for more information.