1. A method of processing a search query comprising: processing a number of sample web pages to generate network data indicative of the interconnections between the sample web pages as identified by hyperlinks included in the sample web pages; utilizing the generated network data to generate for each of said web pages a plurality of network metrics indicative of the extent to which the interconnections associated with a web page correspond to defined patterns of interconnections; using the generated network metrics to generate a plurality of ranked indices of web pages; receiving a search query including an indication of an index to be utilized; and outputting a results list in response to receipt of the search query identifying a number of web pages wherein the results list is ordered on the basis of the index indicated in the search query.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein if a search query does not include an indication of an index to be utilized, a results list is output in response to receipt of the search query wherein the results list is ordered on the basis of a default index.