The present invention provides for quick and efficient searches over a network. In one embodiment, program and formatting code is transmitted to a client having a browser, the code generates in the browser a search mode interface including a search field, a list area for displaying a list of search result items, a view area for displaying contents of a selected search result item. The code detects changes search field changes, transmit change information to a remote search system, displays in the list area search results, including a plurality of search result items, received from the remote search system, and displays at least a portion of a first retrieved document in the view area in response to a selection of a corresponding item.