35. 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; processing the generated network data to determine for each web page a value indicative of the number of hyperlinks in the shortest path between the web page and the other web pages in the sample; generating a ranked index of web pages ranked utilizing the determined values; receiving a search query; 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 ranked index.
35. 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; processing the generated network data to determine for each web page a value indicative of the number of hyperlinks in the shortest path between the web page and the other web pages in the sample; generating a ranked index of web pages ranked utilizing the determined values; receiving a search query; 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 ranked index. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the value indicative of the shortest path between the web page and the other web pages in the sample comprises determining the number of hyperlinks in the shortest path from the current web page to another web in the sample of web pages which has the greatest number of links.