Custom Searches

In addition to these predefined searches, you can also create a custom search of your own by looking for information in specific fields (that is, attributes) of Active Directory.

When used creatively, these custom searches can be powerful indeed, in ways you might not expect. For example, suppose your car won't start, and you need a ride home from the office. You can open this dialog box, click the Field button, and choose User → Home Phone. Change the Condition drop-down menu to Starts With, and then type your own area code and telephone exchange into the Value text box. When you click the Find Now button, you'll get a list of coworkers who live in your neighborhood (as indicated by the first three digits of their phone numbers).