1. A system for retrieving web documents, comprising: means for requesting and downloading a portal website at a client; means for downloading a portal linking tool to the client that permits a web browser to access the portal website from any website; means for requesting a different website at the client that is external to the portal website; means for downloading the different website; means for highlighting text in the different website; a web retrieval tool interface configured to display a context menu interface, the context menu displaying at least one option for searching other web documents for the highlighted text using a search provider associated with the portal website; means for sending a command from the client to the portal website to obtain search results for the highlighted text; means for again downloading the portal website at the client, such that the search results are generated within the confines of the portal website; and means for crediting the portal website as a source of the search request, such that the portal website receives credit for directing traffic to the search provider, and the different website receives no credit for the search request.
1. A system for retrieving web documents, comprising: means for requesting and downloading a portal website at a client; means for downloading a portal linking tool to the client that permits a web browser to access the portal website from any website; means for requesting a different website at the client that is external to the portal website; means for downloading the different website; means for highlighting text in the different website; a web retrieval tool interface configured to display a context menu interface, the context menu displaying at least one option for searching other web documents for the highlighted text using a search provider associated with the portal website; means for sending a command from the client to the portal website to obtain search results for the highlighted text; means for again downloading the portal website at the client, such that the search results are generated within the confines of the portal website; and means for crediting the portal website as a source of the search request, such that the portal website receives credit for directing traffic to the search provider, and the different website receives no credit for the search request. 16. The system of claim 1 , further comprising means for directing the client to a merchant web site although the portal website is not visited by the client during a current browsing session.