a system for conducting a data search operation for content stored at nodes on a network includes a menu interface for enabling an interaction sequence of content category selection and definition - narrowing of those categories selected , a server application for interpreting the interaction sequence and for formulating a search query based on the interpretation , and a session application for submitting the query to a third party node , and for receiving and filtering results returned , the results forwarded to the menu interface for subsequent display and interaction . the network may combine wireless and land - based telephone , internet , cable and satellite television .