Google analytics - Visits by source - Need clarification on 'search'

and 'direct'

[cmendla]

In the 'visits by source' section of the 'executive sumamry' , I see a referral from 'search' along with google, yahoo, dogpile etc.

I'm not sure exactly what site 'search' is referring to. Does anyone know? Is it search com or is it a generic catch all term?

Also, there are items marked as 'direct' What exactly are these? I assume they are from people who have bookmarked the site or are typing the url in. Is there anything else included in 'direct'?

thanks

cg

[clenard]

To be honest, I'm not sure ... but I'm assuming it's referring to smaller search engines?

Maybe someone with more information can clarify this?

[gregbo]

See [webmasterworld.com...] . There is a post with a link to an urchin js file that details the different criteria used to determine which engine visited.