Computer Basics — Local File Indexing vs. Web Search When your operating system searches the contents of your computer's hard drive, where are those files indexed and searched by default?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks whether you can distinguish between local file indexing on a personal computer and internet search engines. Many learners confuse the two because both use the word “search,” but they operate in very different places and use different indexes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You are searching files stored on your own hard drive or SSD.
• Common web brands such as Google, Yahoo!, and MSN index websites on the internet, not the files on your computer.
• Modern operating systems maintain their own local indexes (for example, Windows Search/Indexing Service, macOS Spotlight, Linux desktop search tools).

Concept / Approach:
Local search works by creating and maintaining a private index database on your device. The operating system scans file names, paths, metadata, and sometimes file contents to build this index so that queries return instantly. By contrast, web search engines crawl external websites across the internet and store summaries on their servers. Your local files are not uploaded to Yahoo!, Google, or MSN for everyday desktop searches unless you explicitly sync or upload them to a cloud service. Therefore, none of the listed web services is responsible for indexing your local hard drive by default.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Open your OS search settings to see indexing locations, rebuild index options, and privacy controls confirming a local database rather than a web crawl of your files.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Yahoo!: A web portal/search engine, not your OS's file index.
• Google: Indexes web pages; local file search is handled by the OS.
• MSN: A Microsoft web portal; Windows Search still runs locally.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming that typing into a browser or a web-style search bar is the same as local file search. On many systems, the search box can show results from multiple sources, but local file results come from the OS's own index.

Final Answer:
None of the above