Featured Freeware: Everything

Everything is a small software application that bypasses Windows search with a lightning quick interface and real-time results. It hits all of the files and folders in your local hard drive, or you can specify any subsection of it. The software doesn't do much more than search, but its efficiency, effectiveness, stability, and low system resource usage make it a keeper utility.

The software is split into two main controls: the search box and the results page. When you first run Everything, it will create an index of all the files and folders on your machine. Unless you have millions of files, the index will be created before you know it. Searching is done in real time, as you type--i.e. the search term "rad" returns 379 objects, "radio" returns 160, and "radiohead" returns 71, all instantly.

The results screen can display seven different fields: Name, Path, Size, Last Write Time, Creation Time, Last Access Time, and Attributes. Sorting by any field takes a little longer than searching, but only slows down noticeably when you sort more than 1,000 results.

Everything also lets users connect to HTTP, FTP, or ETP (Everything Transfer Protocol) servers to allow remote searches, but its functionality is mostly singular--searching your local PC very quickly with minimal resources, and it accomplishes that well. If you've never struggled with Windows search before, you might pass Everything by. If your computer is a disorganized mess with files all over the place, Everything might be a wonderful gift.