Abstract: A computer-implemented method employs message windows in a functional bar (e.g., toolbar, status bar, address bar, task bar, etc.) embedded in a software program to display messages (including text, images, animation, video, audio, etc.), where the messages displayed in the windows are based on searches conducted by the user. The software program in which the windows are embedded may be a browser or non-browser application. The messages displayed in the windows are downloaded from a server connected to the computer. In one embodiment, the messages are downloaded when the computer is connected to the server and stored on the computer, and later displayed in the message windows when the computer is not connected to the server. The method can be used to display advertisement or to allow organizations to communicate with their constituents. The method allows advertisers and organizations to select subgroups of users to direct their messages to.