Snap Search FAQ
- How do I refine my search?
- Can I use Boolean operators in my query?
- What's so cool about Snap?
- How does Snap Rank work?
- What is the Snap Network? Where does that information come from?
- Why do sponsored (paid) search results appear mixed in with organic (algorithmic) search results?
- Does Snap accept advertising?
- Do you collect or sell my private information?
- What if I see adult material in my search results?
- How do I report suspected abuse of Snap?
- What if a site I'm viewing breaks out or has popups?
- Are there any types of businesses you do not accept as advertisers?
- How can I customize my Snap experience?
- Can I put Snap search on my site?
- How do I get my site listed in Snap?
ActiveX Control FAQ
- How do I get started?
- What can I do with the ActiveX Control?
- How do I search?
- What are the settings in the settings menu?
- How do I Uninstall This?
Desktop Toolbar FAQ
- How do I get started?
- How do I move the Toolbar?
- What can I do with the Toolbar?
- How do I search?
- Can I change the search fields in the Toolbar?
- How do I create and add my own search fields?
- How do I clear my search history?
- What does the "Command" option in the Prefs menu do?
- What does the "Favorites" option in the Prefs menu do?
- What is X1?
- What is the "Auto Hide" feature in the Prefs menu?
- How do I access the Toolbar again after making it invisible with Auto Hide?
- What is the Toolbar highlighting feature?
- What is the "Hot Keys" function in the Prefs menu?
- What is the "Use New Browser Window" option?
- OK, so what's the gimmick? What do you guys get out of this?
Snap Search Questions & Answers
Q: How do I refine my search?
A: You can refine your search one of two ways:- You can click on one of our related keyword suggestions, in the left side of search results pages
- You can add or delete words in the main search field and submit to have a new search and get a new set of results.
Q: Can I use Boolean operators in my query?
A: Snap does not currently support Boolean operators but will shortly.Q: What's so cool about Snap?
A: Snap's power comes from three innovations: 1) Snap gives you a visual preview of each result BEFORE you click on it...and that improves your odds of picking the right search, without clicking back-and-forth several times. 2) Snap incorporates user feedback in the form of post-search click-stream analysis, ranking search listings based on the successful outcomes of users who made the same queries. Our 'Snap Rank' algorithm orders its results by combining the best of algorithmic calculations with an understanding of human intentions, which greatly improves the quality and relevancy of results, and avoids the dead-ends that come from 'spammed' results (See 'How does Snap Rank work', just below). 3) Snap gives you suggestions for your search BEFORE you actually submit your search...again improving your odds of finding what you're looking for faster. Snap combines these innovations, making it easier and faster to get reliable outcomes from your searches.Q: How does Snap Rank work?
A: Our 'Snap Rank' algorithm combines advanced calculations involving analyses of the web itself (such as link strength and query matches) with a large body of human data to deliver results that are accurate, trustworthy, and directly related to your intentions and needs. Snap processes post-search actions from our Snap Network, started in January of 2004. Snap evaluates where users go after a search - what listings they choose and how many pages they review on that site, right after the same search you did. The overall popularity of the site also influences the ranking.Q: What is the Snap Network? Where does that information come from?
A: The Snap Network is presently third-party licensed data comprising around 1 million Internet users. All data regarding the identity of users is removed prior to transmission to Snap. Snap then processes that data to analyze click-stream patterns to create its unique web results. In time, this network will grow larger and result in more and more accurate results and rankingsQ: Why do sponsored (paid) search results appear mixed in with organic (algorithmic) search results?
A: Another obvious difference of Snap from the rest of the herd is our simplification of search results by the creation of ONE search results list (paid listings are still labeled "sponsored"). At Snap we integrate both algorithmic and paid listings because we think both types of results can be relevant for a particular search. If you're looking to buy a laptop computer, then it's highly likely that sponsored listings are going to be very relevant for your search. If you want to learn what's in the Fifth Amendment of our Constitution, then it's likely that organic listings are going to provide the best results. Our proprietary ranking algorithms sort both types of listings in the order most likely to achieve user satisfaction. How? By using a combination of analytical techniques that accurately relate the relevance of a number of factors including post-click behavior, conversion ratings, text analysis, link analysis and others. So while on the surface it might seem counter-intuitive or even a little deceptive to combine paid and organic listings, we think it turns out to be far better for both the user and, where there are paid listings, for the advertiser as well.Q: Does Snap accept advertising?
A: You can sign up for our advertising system at: http://www.snap.com/about/advertise.php.Q: Do you collect or sell my private information?
A: No. Snap does not track users in real-time, and has no access to the identity, name, address, or any other information about our users.Q: What if I see adult material in my search results?
A: Snap attempts to detect explicit adult content and notify the user of the potential material before presenting results. However, occasionally our technology will not identify potentially offensive material. We apologize in advance if this occurs and ask that you report such instances to us via e-mail at adultresults-at-snap-dot-com.Q: How do I report suspected abuse of Snap?
A: If you suspect that a website is abusing the Snap search results, please contact us using this feedback form.Q: What if a site I'm viewing breaks out or has popups?
A: Snap attempts to block such takeovers, but from time-to-time, you may encounter such a scenario. As with any search engine or website, it is possible to experience undesirable browser behavior. You can get back to Snap by either clicking the Back button in your browser or look for the Snap window in the event of a popup. We recommend that you surf safely and protect your computer with ant-virus and anti-spyware applications. Snap.com is not responsible for third-party content.Q: Are there any types of businesses you do not accept as advertisers?
A: Yes, Snap does not accept listings for illegal, adult or gambling Web sites, or for Web sites that for other reasons we believe are objectionable.Q: How can I customize my Snap experience?
A: Several ways:- Adjust the size of the left and right panes by clicking and dragging on the divider in the middle just like you would in Outlook.
- Go to the settings menu and adjust:
- Turn search suggestions on/off
- Change the default behavior for clicks on a preview image
- Disable/enable the adult warning screen
- Adjust the preview image setting to display the highest quality image or the largest available size.
Q: Can I put Snap search on my site?
A: Go to our 'Get Snap Search on Your Site' page and follow the directions.Q: How do I get my site listed in Snap?
A: Go to our 'Submit Your Site' page and follow the directions. ActiveX Control FAQQ: How do I get started?
A: Click here to download and install the Snap ActiveX Control. When installation (which only takes a few seconds) is complete, you'll see the grey Snap ActiveX Control bar appear in the top of your Snap preview pane. This control bar gives you access to the following:- address of the site you're viewing
- the back and forward buttons associated with normal browsing (they only control this window)
- a settings menu (discussed here in this FAQ)
- a preview-mode button that switches you between the ActiveX Control and the screenshots
- the open in new window button
Q: What can I do with the ActiveX Control?
A: You can view LIVE web content securely right next to your search results - saving you clicks and saving you time.- Interact with airline reservation pages
- Copy and paste text such as lyrics and facts
- Fill out online forms for site registration
- Navigate through the web as normal
Q: How do I search?
A: Search on Snap.com as you would normally — or use our toolbar or search plugins. If the ActiveX is installed, you will see the results rendered in the preview pane automatically for ALL of your searches.Q: What are the settings in the settings menu?
A: The ActiveX installs with the following default settings:- Enable Images - ON - Toggles inline image file viewing (jpeg and gif)
- Enable Videos - OFF - Toggles inline video viewing
- Enable Scripts - ON - Toggles JavaScript rendering on/off
- Enable Background Sounds - OFF - Toggles auto-play of background sounds/music
- Allow Java Applets - OFF - Toggles inline Java applet rendering
- Allow Other ActiveX Controls - OFF - Toggles other ActiveX controls (this needs to be on for FLASH)
- Allow Download of ActiveX Controls - OFF - Toggles the trigger of auto-downloads for ActiveX controls
Q: How do I Uninstall This?
A: Go to START MENU -> CONTROL PANEL -> ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS and select 'Snap ActiveX Control' then click the Change/Remove button and follow the prompts to remove it. Desktop Toolbar FAQQ: How do I get started?
A: Click here to download and install the Snap Desktop Toolbar. When installation (which only takes a few seconds) is complete, you'll see the small green Toolbar icon appear in the upper left hand corner of your computer desktop. Simply click on the icon to expand it, revealing the seven default search fields. To collapse it, click on it again. To get helpful tool tips, roll your cursor over the Toolbar. To turn this feature off, click on Prefs at the far right of the Toolbar, select the General Tab and uncheck "Display tool tips."Q: How do I move the Toolbar?
A: Click on the green "search" button at the far left of the Toolbar and drag it up or down on your desktop.Q: What can I do with the Toolbar?
A: Easily access multiple search engines right from your desktop and quickly access your desktop applications.- Search popular shopping sites
- Search your browser favorites
- Search your iTunes music library
- Search your email, contacts or files (requires X1 installation)
- Search the latest news stories
Q: How do I search?
A: Click on the field you want to search in. For example, if you want to use Google.com, click inside the Google search field and type in your search term. Hit "Enter" and a new browser will open with your Google search results. The Toolbar will remain in place at the top of your computer screen (or wherever you have moved it to), separate from the results, allowing you to continue searching using the same field or a different one - making your search experience smoother and faster. No more navigating back and forth with a browser from one search engine to another, opening up multiple windows and cluttering your desktop.Hint: scroll through the search fields in your Toolbar using the Tab key; Launch the most recent search within a search field by double clicking inside that field.
Q: Can I change the search fields in the Toolbar?
A: Yes. The Toolbar is completely customizable. You can: Add and remove search fields -- On the far right of the search bar, click on "prefs" and a pop-up window will appear. Select the Search Fields tab to view search field categories and click on the plus icon to the left of each category to expand it and reveal all the options within that category. Checking a box will automatically add that search field to your Toolbar. To remove it, just uncheck it.- Change the order of your search fields — To change the order of items in your Toolbar, drag and drop them into place by clicking on the dotted blue "grabber" area to the right of each search field.
- Resize your individual search fields — Hold down the shift key while dragging the blue divider between search fields to make an individual field wider or more narrow.
- Resize your incremental search boxes — This is the white box that pops up when you start typing inside a search field. Resize it by dragging one of its lower corner borders.
Q: How do I create and add my own search fields?
A: To add the website(s) of your choice to the Toolbar, click on "Prefs" in the far right of the Toolbar and select the Search Fields tab in the pop-up window that appears. Click on the "Create Your Own" button on the right. You will then be guided through a quick and easy step-by-step process.Q: How do I clear my search history?
A: Place your cursor inside the search field you want to clear and right click on it. Selecting "Clear History" from the menu will erase your search history from that field.Q: What does the "Command" option in the Search Fields menu do?
A: The "Command" field allows you to search for and launch any application on your computer by simply typing in its name - saving you time by avoiding the cumbersome task of navigating through the layered "Start" menu structure. For example, as you type in "calculator", a list of matches will appear, usually within a few keystrokes. Selecting and hitting "Enter" will automatically launch the application. This same method can be used to launch any of your Control Panel utilities such as Display, Network Connections or Add or Remove Programs. The Command option is located in the Utility category.Q: What does the "Favorites" option in the Search Fields menu do?
A: The "Favorites" field allows you to instantly access your bookmarked favorite web sites - the only known application with this functionality! The Favorites option is located in the Utility category.Q: What is X1?
A: X1 is a desktop search tool that indexes and searches the contents of your hard drive, allowing you to search for old emails, files or contacts on your computer as easily as you'd search the web. The Desktop Toolbar adds another level of convenience when using this useful search utility. A trial version of X1 can be downloaded for free here.Q: What is the "Auto Hide" feature in the Prefs menu?
A: Auto Hide allows you to make the Toolbar invisible when not in use. This feature manifests itself in two ways: Full Screen Auto Hide: This feature automatically hides the Toolbar when you select the full screen mode of an application such as PowerPoint or Windows Media Player. This feature is always active. Focus Auto-Hide: this feature automatically hides the Toolbar when it loses foreground focus, i.e., by clicking in another application window. This feature can be turned on and off by checking or unchecking "Auto Hide When Not in Use" inside the General tab of the Prefs menu.Q: How do I access the Toolbar again after making it invisible with Auto Hide?
A: After you select "Auto Hide" your Toolbar will turn itself into a one pixel tall stripe that's as wide as it was before it hid itself. When you want to view/use the Toolbar again, move your cursor over it and it will appear. It will auto hide again when you move your cursor away. Entering a hot key that is assigned to a field will cause a hidden Toolbar to become visible.- The Toolbar will attempt to stay in auto-hide mode if screen is resized.
- Auto-hide will only function when the Toolbar is positioned at the top or bottom of your screen; conversely, the Toolbar cannot be repositioned while in auto hide mode.
- Auto hide cannot function if another toolbar occupying the same desktop space is also in auto hide mode.
