A web portal : www.FetchMania.com

Abstract

"A Web portal or links page refers to a Web site or service that offers a broad array of resources and services, such as e-mail, forums, search engines, and online shopping ma! ls." Definition of a 'web portal' from W\'VW.wcbopedia.com The main aim of this project is that of creating a web portal page that serves as a hub to various services and resources available online. The philosophy behind this project recognises the numerous rich resources already available on the Internet and aims at easing the user access to their preferred source of information. FetchMania presents all this to the user by adopting an interface approach that is hybrid between that of a typical search engine, portal page and a standard desktop. This is done by offering: a) A prominent background picture that can be changed by the registered users. This is similar to the desktop environment making it customisable and personal. Screen cleanliness is an important concept that makes FetchMania different from mainstream portal pages where pages are covered by a blanket of data. b) A typical desktop is also characterised by a number of icons that provide a link to your frequently visited applications. This is similar in concept to that of a links page, better know as a portal page. Links on this portal page however are presented in a categorised format within a collapsible menu in an effort to avoid the screen from being covered in a blanket of icons. c) A search application that offers the user the flexibility of performing individual or multiple searches to various specialised search engines. This is an effective way that increases the chances of getting relevant search results.