Eager to gain some ground in the battle to help people find their computer files, Microsoft launched the final version of its desktop search software on Monday.
The free software is part of the MSN Search Toolbar Suite, which Microsoft introduced several months ago as a test version. That version lets computer users search not only by file names but also by the contents of documents, e-mails, calendar entries, pictures and PowerPoint presentations.
The new version expands the types of files supported and lets users customize how the program sorts different files - by date, size, author or sender, among other options.
Desktop-searching has become an incredibly competitive field. Yahoo, Google and America Online, among others, have similar products already out or in testing.