Fast Intuitive and Intelligent
Spotlight is fast, intelligent, and search never has never looked so good on any operating system.  Thanks to Spotlight searching for files is now easier than ever before.  You'll be able to find just about everything on you Mac and remarkably, your searches will show up as you type.  The next version of Mac OS X called Leopard (Mac OS X version 10.5) will take Spotlight to the next level with many more features , advancements, and search options.
 
Easy to Access and Use
No matter where you or what you're doing, kicking off a search in Spotlight will be very easy.  Spotlight is located in the upper right corner of the Mac OS X screen and is easily identified by the white and blue magnifying icon.

Those new to Mac will experience a significant search difference under Mac OS X when compared to Windows.  Whereas Windows has historically returned a list of files containing the search phrase (also called the string), Spotlight will return any and all things related to the search string.  For example, if you searched for the string "vacation", Spotlight would find all files on your Mac related to "vacation".  This could include items such as:

    * e-mails
    * documents
    * pictures
    * PDF's
    * and so on

Spotlight works by organizing, reading, and indexing metadata.  Metadata is simply "data about data" which is tied to the specific content stored on your system.  For example, when you snap a picture with a digital camera additional data (metadata) is stored within the picture such as the time the photo was taken, the camera model, the camera serial number, and so on.  Spotlight is able to read this "extra" data and can find it when a Mac user performs a search.