Virtual directory

• US RE42,527 E1
• Filed: 12/12/2008
• Issued: 07/05/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HECK.com LLC
• Original Assignee: HECK.com LLC
• Inventors: Colwill, Ronald W. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mofiz; Apu M
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rahman; Mohammad N
• Application Number:
  US12/333,810
• Time in Patent Office: 935 Days
• Field of Search: 707/705, 707/709, 707/711
• US Class Current: 707/705
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/951 Indexing; Web crawling techniques
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/954 Navigation, e.g. using categorised browsing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99942 Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99944 Object-oriented database structure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99945 Object-oriented database structure processing

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for providing a virtual directory to facilitate a quick, direct search for a web site on the Internet. A user is provided with an extensive number of first level search categories. By clicking on a first level search category, the user is linked to a plurality of corresponding second level search categories which are pre-selected by a service provider. By clicking on a second level search category, the user is linked to a plurality of corresponding third level search categories, which are also pre-selected by the service provider. The third level search categories are preferably URLs corresponding to the search. The user can click on any one of the URLs to access a web site. A button is provided on a bar of the web site by which a user can return to one of the first or second level search categories directly from the current web page bypassing all the intermediate web pages the user reviewed. The virtual directory also provides a search engine directory whereby a user can switch from one search engine to another in order to complete a search without having to retype a search category.

Claims

1. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) receiving a display of a first interface comprising, at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in alphabetical order in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to no more than 30 second level search categories each which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent said first level search categories, and a scroll bar adjacent said first level search categories for navigating through said first level search categories;

(ii) pointing and clicking on a first level search category;

(iii) receiving a display of a second interface comprising a plurality of said second level search categories corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each of said second level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to no more than 30 third level search categories;

(iv) pointing and clicking on a second level search category;

(v) receiving a display of a third interface comprising a plurality of said third level search categories corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each of said third level search categories is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(vi) pointing and clicking on a third level search category; and

(vii) receiving a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

(i) pointing and clicking on an alphabet letter;

(ii) receiving a display of a group of said first level search categories corresponding to said alphabet letter; and

(iii) pointing and clicking on a first level search category from said group of said first level search categories.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising pointing and clicking on said scroll bar to locate a first level search category.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said second interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said second level search categories.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said third interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said third level search categories.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising pointing and clicking on said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising pointing and clicking on said hide button or icon to hide said return bar.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising using a mouse to point and click through said internet virtual directory system.

14. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) receiving a display of a first interface comprising, a plurality of at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in alphabetical order in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one second level search category which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent said first level search categories, and a scroll bar adjacent said first level search categories for navigating through said first level search categories;

(ii) pointing and clicking on a first level search categoly category;

(iii) receiving a display of a second interface comprising at least one second level search category corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each second level search category is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one third level search category;

(iv) pointing and clicking on a second level search category;

(v) receiving a display of a third interface comprising at least one third level search category corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each third level search category is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(vi) pointing and clicking on a third level search category; and

(vii) receiving a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

(i) pointing and clicking on an alphabet letter;

(ii) receiving a display of a group of said first level search categories corresponding to said alphabet letter; and

(iii) pointing and clicking on a first level search category from said group of said first level search categories.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising pointing and clicking on said scroll bar to locate a first level search category.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein said second interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said second level search categories.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein said third interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said third level search categories.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising pointing and clicking on said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising pointing and clicking on said hide button or icon to hide said return bar.

26. The method of claim 14, further comprising using a mouse to point and click through said internet virtual directory system.

27. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) receiving a display of a first interface comprising, a plurality of at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in alphabetical order in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one second level search category which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, and alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent said first level search categories;

(ii) pointing and clicking on an alphabet letter;

(iii) receiving a display of a group of first level search categories corresponding to said alphabet letter;

(iv) pointing and clicking on a first level search category selected from said group of first level search categories;

(v) receiving a display of a second interface comprising at least one second level search category corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each second level search category is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one third level search category;

(vi) pointing and clicking on a second level search category;

(vii) receiving a display of a third interface comprising at least one third level search category corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each third level search category is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(viii) pointing and clicking on a third level search category; and

(ix) receiving a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein said second interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said second level search categories.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein said third interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said third level search categories.

31. The method of claim 27, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising pointing and clicking on said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising pointing and clicking on said hide button or icon to hide said return bar.

37. The method of claim 27, further comprising using a mouse to point and click through said internet virtual directory system.

38. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) receiving a display of a first interface comprising, a plurality of at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one second level search category which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, and a scroll bar adjacent said first level search categories for navigating through said first level search categories;

(ii) pointing and clicking on said scroll bar to locate a first level search category;

(iii) pointing and clicking on said first level search category;

(iv) receiving a display of a second interface comprising at least one second level search category corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each second level search category is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one third level search category;

(v) pointing and clicking on a second level search category;

(vi) receiving a display of a third interface comprising at least one third level search category corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each third level search category is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(vii) pointing and clicking on a third level search category; and

(viii) receiving a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising pointing and clicking on said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising pointing and clicking on said hide button or icon to hide said return bar.

46. The method of claim 38, further comprising using a mouse to point and click through said internet virtual directory system.

47. A method for pointing and clicking of guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) receiving a display of a first interface comprising a plurality of at least 1,000 first level search categories, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one second level search category which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category;

(ii) pointing and clicking on a first level search categoly category;

(iii) receiving a display of a second interface comprising at least one second level search category corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each second level search category is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one third level search categoly category;

(iv) pointing and clicking on a second level search category;

(v) receiving a display of a third interface comprising at least one third level search category corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each third level search category is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(vi) pointing and clicking on a third level search category; and

(vii) receiving a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

50. The method of claim 47, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising pointing and clicking on said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system.

53. The method of claim 50, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

54. The method of claim 53, further comprising pointing and clicking on said hide button or icon to hide said return bar.

55. The method of claim 47, further comprising using a mouse to point and click through said internet virtual directory system.

56. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) transmitting a display of a first interface comprising, at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in alphabetical order in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to no more than 30 second level search categories each which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent said first level search categories, and a scroll bar adjacent said first level search categories for navigating through said first level search categories;

(ii) receiving a click command to select a first level search category;

(iii) transmitting a display of a second interface comprising a plurality of said second level search categories corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each of said second level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to no more than 30 third level search categories;

(iv) receiving a click command to select a second level search category;

(v) transmitting a display of a third interface comprising a plurality of said third level search categories corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each of said third level search categories is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(vi) receiving a click command to select a third level search category; and

(vii) transmitting a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

57. The method of claim 56, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command to select an alphabet letter;

(ii) transmitting a display of a group of said first level search categories corresponding to said alphabet letter; and

(iii) receiving a click command to select a first level search category from said group of said first level search categories.

58. The method of claim 56, further comprising receiving a click command to control said scroll bar to locate a first level search category.

59. The method of claim 56, wherein said second interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said second level search categories.

60. The method of claim 56, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

61. The method of claim 56, wherein said third interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said third level search categories.

62. The method of claim 56, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

63. The method of claim 56, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

65. The method of claim 64, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said third interface.

66. The method of claim 63, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said hide button or icon to hide said return bar; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said web page without said return bar.

68. The method of claim 56, further comprising receiving said click commands from a mouse.

69. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) transmitting a display of a first interface comprising, a plurality of at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in alphabetical order in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one second level search category which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent said first level search categories, and a scroll bar adjacent said first level search categories for navigating through said first level search categories;

(ii) receiving a click command to select a first level search category;

(iii) transmitting a display of a second interface comprising at least one second level search category corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each second level search category is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one third level search category;

(iv) receiving a click command to select a second level search category;

(v) transmitting a display of a third interface comprising at least one third level search category corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each third level search category is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(vi) receiving a click command to select a third level search category; and

(vii) transmitting a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

70. The method of claim 69, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command to select an alphabet letter;

(ii) transmitting a display of a group of said first level search categories corresponding to said alphabet letter; and

(iii) receiving a click command to select a first level search category from said group of said first level search categories.

71. The method of claim 69, further comprising receiving a click command to control said scroll bar to locate a first level search category.

72. The method of claim 69, wherein said second interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said second level search categories.

73. The method of claim 69, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

74. The method of claim 69, wherein said third interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said third level search categories.

75. The method of claim 69, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

76. The method of claim 69, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

78. The method of claim 77, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said third interface.

79. The method of claim 76, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

80. The method of claim 79, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said hide button or icon to hide said return bar; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said web page without said return bar.

81. The method of claim 69, further comprising receiving said click commands from a mouse.

82. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) transmitting a display of a first interface comprising, a plurality of at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in alphabetical order in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one second level search category which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, and alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent said first level search categories;

(ii) receiving a click command to select an alphabet letter;

(iii) transmitting a display of a group of first level search categories corresponding to said alphabet letter;

(iv) receiving a click command to select a first Level level search category selected from said group of first level search categories;

(v) transmitting a display of a second interface comprising at least one second level search category corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each second level search category is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one third level search category;

(vi) receiving a click command to select a second level search category;

(vii) transmitting a display of a third interface comprising at least one third level search category corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each third level search category is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(viii) receiving a click command to select a third level search category; and

(ix) transmitting a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein said second interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said second level search categories.

84. The method of claim 82, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

85. The method of claim 82, wherein said third interface comprises said alphabet letters arranged adjacent said third level search categories.

86. The method of claim 82, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

87. The method of claim 82, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

89. The method of claim 88, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said third interface.

90. The method of claim 87, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

91. The method of claim 90, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said hide button or icon to hide said return bar; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said web page without said return bar.

92. The method of claim 82, further comprising receiving said click commands from a mouse.

93. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) transmitting a display of a first interface comprising, a plurality of at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in a single web page, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one second level search category which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category, and a scroll bar adjacent said first level search categories for navigating through said first level search categories;

(ii) receiving a click command to control said scroll bar to locate a first level search category;

(iii) receiving a click command to select said first level search category;

(iv) transmitting a display of a second interface comprising at least one second level search category corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each second level search category is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one third level search category;

(v) receiving a click command to select a second level search category;

(vi) transmitting a display of a third interface comprising at least one third level search category corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each third level search category is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(vii) receiving a click command to select a third level search category; and

(viii) transmitting a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

95. The method of claim 93, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

96. The method of claim 93, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

98. The method of claim 97, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said third interface.

99. The method of claim 96, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

100. The method of claim 99, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said hide button or icon to hide said return bar; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said web page without said return bar.

101. The method of claim 93, further comprising receiving said click commands from a mouse.

102. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) transmitting a display of a first interface comprising a plurality of at least 1,000 first level search categories, wherein each of said first level search categories is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one second level search category which specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to a linked first level search category;

(ii) receiving a click command to select a first level search category;

(iii) transmitting a display of a second interface comprising at least one second level search category corresponding to said first level search category, wherein each second level search category is configured for pointing and clicking to link to at least one third level search category;

(iv) receiving a click command to select a second level search category;

(v) transmitting a display of a third interface comprising at least one third level search category corresponding to said second level search category, wherein each third level search category is a uniform research locator configured for pointing and clicking to link to an internet web site;

(vi) receiving a click command to select a third level search category; and

(vii) transmitting a display of a web page of said internet web site corresponding to said third level search category,

wherein the categories in each of the first, second and third levels are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein said first level search category is displayed in said second interface adjacent said second level search categories.

104. The method of claim 102, wherein a search path is displayed in said third interface adjacent said third level search categories.

105. The method of claim 102, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

107. The method of claim 106, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said third interface.

108. The method of claim 105, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

109. The method of claim 108, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said hide button or icon to hide said return bar; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said web page without said return bar.

110. The method of claim 102, further comprising receiving said click commands from a mouse.

111. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) transmitting a first display of at least one interface comprising a plurality of at least 1,000 first search categories;

(ii) receiving a click command to select a first search category;

(iii) transmitting a second display of at least one interface comprising a plurality of second search categories each specifying a narrower subject matter subcategory related to the selected first search category;

(iv) receiving a click command to select a second search category; and

(v) transmitting a display of a web page of an internet web site corresponding to the second search category, wherein each of the first and second search categories are pre-selected and uploaded by a service provider of the internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider.

112. The method of claim 111, wherein said interface further comprises alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent said search categories.

113. The method of claim 112, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command to select an alphabet letter;

(ii) transmitting a display of a group of search categories corresponding to said alphabet letter; and

(iii) receiving a click command to select a search category from said group of search categories.

114. The method of claim 111, wherein said interface further comprises a scroll bar adjacent said search categories for navigating through said search categories.

115. The method of claim 114, further comprising receiving a click command to control said scroll bar to locate a search category.

116. The method of claim 111, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

118. The method of claim 117, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said interface.

119. The method of claim 116, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

120. The method of claim 119, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said hide button or icon to hide said return bar; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said web page without said return bar.

121. The method of claim 111, further comprising receiving said click command from a mouse.

122. A method for guiding a user through at least three interface levels of an internet virtual directory system to a desired internet web site relating to a search, comprising:

(i) transmitting a display of a first interface and a second interface, wherein each of the first and second interfaces comprises a plurality of search categories and is linked to each other in such a way that a first search category is linked to at least a second search category that specifies a narrower subject matter subcategory related to the first search category;

(ii) receiving a click command to select the first search category for each of the first and second interfaces; and

(iii) transmitting a display of a web page of an internet web site corresponding to a selected second search category, wherein the search categories for each of the first and second interfaces are preselected and uploaded by a service provider of said internet virtual directory system, and the categories of at least the second level are pre-selected based on the user'"'"'s expected search results relating to the selected first level search category and uploaded by the service provider,

wherein the first interface comprises at least 1,000 first level search categories arranged in alphabetical order in a single web page.

123. The method of claim 122, wherein each of the first and second interfaces further comprises alphabet letters A through Z arranged adjacent the search categories of each of the first and second interfaces.

124. The method of claim 123, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command to select an alphabet letter;

(ii) transmitting a display of a group of search categories corresponding to said alphabet letter; and

(iii) receiving a click command to select a search category from said group of search categories.

125. The method of claim 122, wherein each of the first and second interfaces further comprises a scroll bar adjacent said search categories for navigating through said search categories.

126. The method of claim 125, further comprising receiving a click command to control said scroll bar to locate a search category.

127. The method of claim 122, wherein a return bar is displayed adjacent said web page of said internet web site.

128. The method of claim 127, wherein said return bar comprises a return button or icon.

129. The method of claim 128, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said return button or icon to return to said internet virtual directory system; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said interface.

130. The method of claim 127, wherein said return bar includes a hide button or icon for hiding said return bar.

131. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

(i) receiving a click command from said hide button or icon to hide said return bar; and

(ii) transmitting a display of said web page without said return bar.

132. The method of claim 122, further comprising receiving said click command from a mouse.