Local Website search function

[VHockey86]

I've been asked by a friend to help him with a webpage for his mother. She basically runs a business selling rugs and has asked me to make a simple webpage for her with photo galleries for the products available. (I can do this easily enough with dreamweaver/fireworks)

She has also asked about the possibility of a search function for users to search through the products on the site. I was wondering if there was any simple way to do this, and what would be involved. I'm assuming I would need to have a database setup (havent really worked with them much before other than installing phpBB to an already defined mysql database). And then how exactly would I impliment search? Is there an easier way than a database, like perhaps a CGI script?

As a side question, I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for hosting. I've had access to a free account at www.1and1.com, which included SSH access and one mysql database and stuff (it was a promotional deal a year or so back). I was figuring I'd need to buy hosting for the new site as well as a domain.
The 4.99 a month package at www.1and1.com looks nice (25GB monthly transfer), however it doesnt have a database nor ssh access.

So in short:
What would be the best way to have a search function for products on a page, and what server-side things would I need to buy to make this possible.

Thx,
VHockey86

[soad1789]

About the search, I'm pretty sure you do need a database and PHP...I'm sure there are other ways to do it though.

About hosting, I remember some site that was like thefreesite.com or freestuff.com that I thought would contain those retarted "send in a coupon for a half-eaten cookie" offers but it actually has a section with some pretty good hosting sites. Google it.

[Siliconjunkie]

Well, I will give you my .02 about 1and1. I had a dedicated server with them, I cancelled within the first week due to problems, and had to sick Visa on them to get my refund per their policy.

Look around at www.hotscripts.com bet you can find something there.

You could try something like coppermine, it will let you add keywords and has a search function.

I will also match what 1and1 is offering +mysql and ssh. PM me if interested.

[VHockey86]

hmm, well I played around with this for a little bit:
http://www.xav.com/scripts/search/
Not quite ideal for searching products on a website but better than nothing
Perhaps a database approach would give more sophisiticated results. The previously linked would however allow me to index specific files, thus I could have a specific page for each product

[Siliconjunkie]

Also, look at oscommerce. It does a whole catalog with cart and all.