why are they called "search engines" instead of "search software" or "information finder" or something that doesn't give it the air of being technologically marvellous which it aint!!
I suppose it is along the same lines as "3D engine" describes the software behind a 3D application or game.
What do you think to Chuck Babbage and his Difference Engine? Do you want that renamed to be "oversized calculator"?
Stick an "er" on the end and we have a much more important issue: certain tradespeople are referring to themselves as "engineers" on the side of their vans... that should get the posts rolling!