Eliminate black-listed domains in search results?

I'd very much like to limit search results by eliminating certain domains
from results.

For example, when I use live.com to search for support information using a
DLL file name, error message, or a specific registry value, I'm weary of
reading the first page or two of results that list places where I can
download xyz.dll or some bizarre utility.

Or eliminate search results from "support sites" that encourages users to
post huge logs of all the running processes and loaded dlls to troubleshoot
issues such as spyware. I'm thinking of blacklisting
insert-some-blog-spot-here (dot) coms as well.

Something happened in the last few years to make search engines worth less
and less. Or my queries skills are getting worse and worse. Or the search
engine gamers are getting better.

I want to never see some sites again in search results. I'm half-certain
this functionality may appear in objectionable content blocking software.
Any clues or pointers? Thank you.

In news:d415m210b2sr3pa2b680hkilmdpou255ta@news.micro soft.com,
Rob Burnett had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

> I'd very much like to limit search results by eliminating certain domains
> from results.
>
> For example, when I use live.com to search for support information using a
> DLL file name, error message, or a specific registry value, I'm weary of
> reading the first page or two of results that list places where I can
> download xyz.dll or some bizarre utility.
>
> Or eliminate search results from "support sites" that encourages users to
> post huge logs of all the running processes and loaded dlls to
> troubleshoot
> issues such as spyware. I'm thinking of blacklisting
> insert-some-blog-spot-here (dot) coms as well.
>
> Something happened in the last few years to make search engines worth less
> and less. Or my queries skills are getting worse and worse. Or the search
> engine gamers are getting better.
>
> I want to never see some sites again in search results. I'm half-certain
> this functionality may appear in objectionable content blocking software.
> Any clues or pointers? Thank you.

Specifics (I do a LOT of searching via live.com) and find that I get better
results there as compared to the other engines but there are still times
when I have to be very specific.

Example:
"specific topic" specific OS -"on sale" -price -shipping -keyword spammed
info

If I know what domain I'm looking for then it is "site:domain.com term" and
it's a lot of work and a pain to learn but it seems that it has become
something of an art.

--
Galen - MS MVP - Windows (Shell/User & IE)
http://dts-l.org/ http://kgiii.info/

"Chance has put in our way a most singular and whimsical problem, and its
solution is its own
reward." - Sherlock Holmes

I see you understand precisely what I am looking for. Thanks for the
suggestions. The showstopper for me at live.com is the only ten results per
page. I waste too much time clicking on "next page of results." It seems
Microsoft has forgotten wee are not using 640x480 resolution any more as ten
results per page is a consistent limit from Microsoft search pages. Changing
that setting is always hidden deep within "options" or "settings" or
"customize" pages. Until I find it at live.com, I use something else.

One day soon I hope I can purchase a search service that completely removes
junk results and advertising within results. A spam filter turned upside
down and backwards. This to me would be far more lucrative than monthly
antivirus or security update services.

> Specifics (I do a LOT of searching via live.com) and find that I get better
> results there as compared to the other engines but there are still times
> when I have to be very specific.
>
> Example:
> "specific topic" specific OS -"on sale" -price -shipping -keyword spammed
> info
>
> If I know what domain I'm looking for then it is "site:domain.com term" and
> it's a lot of work and a pain to learn but it seems that it has become
> something of an art.

In news:2gk6m251gjho7c7aj0o3e29tb4sv17ssdt@news.micro soft.com,
Rob Burnett had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

> I see you understand precisely what I am looking for. Thanks for the
> suggestions. The showstopper for me at live.com is the only ten results
> per
> page. I waste too much time clicking on "next page of results." It seems
> Microsoft has forgotten wee are not using 640x480 resolution any more as
> ten
> results per page is a consistent limit from Microsoft search pages.
> Changing
> that setting is always hidden deep within "options" or "settings" or
> "customize" pages. Until I find it at live.com, I use something else.
>
> One day soon I hope I can purchase a search service that completely
> removes
> junk results and advertising within results. A spam filter turned upside
> down and backwards. This to me would be far more lucrative than monthly
> antivirus or security update services.
>
>> Specifics (I do a LOT of searching via live.com) and find that I get
>> better
>> results there as compared to the other engines but there are still times
>> when I have to be very specific.
>>
>> Example:
>> "specific topic" specific OS -"on sale" -price -shipping -keyword spammed
>> info
>>
>> If I know what domain I'm looking for then it is "site:domain.com term"
>> and
>> it's a lot of work and a pain to learn but it seems that it has become
>> something of an art.

Head here:
http://www.live.com/?searchonly=true
Type in a search term - any one will do
Click on Options (tada - there it is)
Set to English
50 results
Group results
Open in new browser
Limit to English
I do turn SafeSearch off
(my settings)

It will write a cookie and save your settings until you delete the cookie.

It's not too bad but they hid the options on us, you have to make a search
before you get those options. Don't blame me. *grins* I didn't write it.

--
Galen - MS MVP - Windows (Shell/User & IE)
http://dts-l.org/ http://kgiii.info/

"Chance has put in our way a most singular and whimsical problem, and its
solution is its own
reward." - Sherlock Holmes

Thanks again!

And look out world, I've found
http://search.live.com/macros/default.aspx
which accepts
-site:xyz.null
^^^^^^
means no results from the xyz.null domain. I'm working on one big macro.




On Wed, 22 Nov 2006 04:27:45 -0500, Galen wrote

> In news:2gk6m251gjho7c7aj0o3e29tb4sv17ssdt@news.micro soft.com,
> Rob Burnett had this to say:
>
> My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:
>
> > I see you understand precisely what I am looking for. Thanks for the
> > suggestions. The showstopper for me at live.com is the only ten results
> > per
> > page. I waste too much time clicking on "next page of results."
>
> Head here:
> http://www.live.com/?searchonly=true
> Type in a search term - any one will do
> Click on Options (tada - there it is)
> Set to English
> 50 results
> Group results
> Open in new browser
> Limit to English
> I do turn SafeSearch off
> (my settings)
>
> It will write a cookie and save your settings until you delete the cookie.
>
> It's not too bad but they hid the options on us, you have to make a search
> before you get those options. Don't blame me. *grins* I didn't write it.

Unfortunately, the ability to save macros is inhibited in Opera 9.02. The
"Save Macro" button has no effect, even when signed into my Live account.
The same macro is however saveable and operates as expected when using
Internet Explorer 6.0. All of the creation utilities work within Opera, I
just can't save nor retrieve my work with Opera.

In an instant, I move from the zenith of excitement of using a new Microsoft
technology to the nadir of disappointment in what seems to be the same old
decade long browser wars.

I had already changed my default search from Google to Live within Opera in
anticipation of using newly created macros. (Tools | Preferences | Search |
Add) Well, that didn't last long. And now I've got a burning dislike for
Live that won't go away anytime soon.

I'm continually amazed at how Microsoft can repeatedly step on their own
tits and never notice the bruise. FWIW, I sent them feedback. At least that
button works from within Opera. <sigh>

In news:j94dm2dupj47j3ur2badm8he5jkp17va9k@news.micro soft.com,
Rob Burnett had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

> Unfortunately, the ability to save macros is inhibited in Opera 9.02. The
> "Save Macro" button has no effect, even when signed into my Live account.
> The same macro is however saveable and operates as expected when using
> Internet Explorer 6.0. All of the creation utilities work within Opera, I
> just can't save nor retrieve my work with Opera.
>
> In an instant, I move from the zenith of excitement of using a new
> Microsoft
> technology to the nadir of disappointment in what seems to be the same old
> decade long browser wars.
>
> I had already changed my default search from Google to Live within Opera
> in
> anticipation of using newly created macros. (Tools | Preferences | Search
> |
> Add) Well, that didn't last long. And now I've got a burning dislike for
> Live that won't go away anytime soon.
>
> I'm continually amazed at how Microsoft can repeatedly step on their own
> tits and never notice the bruise. FWIW, I sent them feedback. At least
> that
> button works from within Opera. <sigh>

Hmm... Alright - I won't have time until Monday. Count me in. This is
something I could get into and, honestly, Microsoft is drooling over the
idea of people doing stuff with their search APIs and the likes. My reply
email is real, the second link in my signature takes you to my site, blog,
and forum if you're interested in seeing what we can build.

I'm up for it. I'm also a huge fan of Opera though I'm an IE user by
default. Mostly 'cause it's "normal" for me while using Windows and because
I feel sorta obligated as an MVP to use Microsoft's software when I can for
what I can. It's no less secure if one pays attention and practices safe hex
and so I use it. But yes... I'm up for that if you want.

--
Galen - MS MVP - Windows (Shell/User & IE)
http://dts-l.org/ http://kgiii.info/

"Chance has put in our way a most singular and whimsical problem, and its
solution is its own
reward." - Sherlock Holmes