Joomla!® 3.6.x onward offers two search options.
- Basic Search
- Smart Search
The Basic Search component provides basic search functionality for the information contained in your core components.
Many extensions can also be searched by the search component.
Here is the basic search component form for UsingJoomla.com
In Joomla version 3.10.x Components such as 'Search' and 'Smart Search' are managed via the administrator area menu 'Components' tab.
In Joomla version 3.10.x Plugins are managed via the Administrator area 'Extensions' tab and then selecting the 'Plugins' tab.
In Joomla version 3.10.x the 'Search' Component is accessed via the Administrator area 'Components' tab and then selecting the 'Search' tab.
In Joomla version 3.10.x the 'Smart Search' Component is accessed via the Administrator area 'Components' tab and then selecting the 'Smart Search' tab.
The Smart Search component offers searching similar to that found in major online search engines.
Smart Search is disabled by default, but is easy for you to enable it if you wish.
If you choose to enable it you will need to take several steps.
- First, enable the Smart Search Plugin in the plugin manager.
- Then, if you are using the Basic Search Module replace it with the Smart Search Module.
- Finally, if you have already created content, go to the Smart Search component in your site administrator and click the Index icon. Once indexing of your content is complete, Smart Search will be ready to use.
Here is an example of Smart Search - type in a word into the box and press "search".
Remember
You also have a 
'Search' Plugin and a 'Smart Search' Plugin which work in conjunction with the corresponding Component.
