A simple add-on for Internet Explorer that enhances web page search capabilities.

Pros: As its name says “simple find bar” is exactly that, a simple find bar. It is a toolbar that attaches to the bottom of the Internet Explorer browser window and provides search capabilities which exceed the basic search that you get on using the “Find” function (ctrl+F). A good thing is that it also picks up the “ctrl+F” keystroke automatically so that if you are used to doing that then you won’t have a problem.

The key distinction of the search is that it can do incremental searches. So that after typing one word and searching for it you can add additional words to the current search. There is a case matching facility and a “mark all” that highlights all the search matches on the current web page. The search text is also highlighted as you type which greatly improves search efficiency (for example you may not need to type the entire search phrase before getting to what you need). The best part is that because it attaches to the bottom of the Internet Explorer screen, it feels non-intrusive, and in fact even that search bar only comes up once you hit the “ctrl+F” key combination. The functions are easy to understand and no time is wasted in learning how to use the tool.

Cons: None at all. It is a simple tool and sticks to the functions that it is designed for.

Overall: 4 stars. Works perfectly and as desired, but it may no longer be useful for the most recent versions of Internet Explorer. Firefox already comes with a similar inline/progressive search.