1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: a. receiving a search term comprising a plurality of word units; b. conducting a search for an instance of the search term in a set of target data to be searched beginning at a target stream, the search including: i. selecting a first word unit in the search term as a selected search word unit, and selecting a corresponding word unit in the target stream as a selected target word unit; ii. comparing the selected search word unit with the selected target word unit and providing a match result indicative of whether a sufficient matching level is achieved, wherein when the selected target word unit is recognized handwritten word having alternates, comparing includes evaluating the alternates; and iii. determining based on the match result whether the search term sufficiently matches the target stream, and 1. if so, considering the search a success with respect to the target stream and advancing to step (C), and 2. if not, determining whether additional word units in the search stream need to be compared to determine whether the search term sufficiently matches the target stream, and a. if so, selecting a next word unit in the search term as the selected search word unit, and selecting a next corresponding word unit in the target stream as the selected target word unit and retuning to step (B) (ii); and b. if not, considering the search a failure with respect to the target stream and advancing to step (C); and (C) returning information indicative of the success or failure of the search and concluding the search with respect to the target stream.