The SEARCH command locates a string of characters in a specified set of computer files. The user may restrict the search to find a freestanding word or variable. The command records each line containing the character string or variable, along with the line number and file name. The record of lines found may be further searched for additional strings or variables. Lines containing or beginning with each string or variable may be kept or deleted. The menu-driven command records user input. SEARCH is comparable to the UNIX operating system's GREP, and runs on the Conversational Monitor System (CMS).