The term originates from the earlier classification of intelligent agents as "knowledge robots", which subsequently got shortened to just "knowbots" or even "bots". In short, "bot" is just another term for intelligent agent. Today most people use the terms intelligent agent or bot interchangeably.

An Intelligent Agent, or bot, is a piece of software that can autonomously accomplish a task for a person or other entity. The software has some sort of "trigger" built into it and, once executed, the agent can carry out its function without further intervention. Some only count as intelligent agents those software programs which meet very strict criteria, but more and more people are accepting a more lenient definition of intelligent agent. The key ingredient is that the software program accomplishes some task autonomously once triggered.

Intelligent agents can perform many useful acts. Today's agents can, for example: 1) search for information automatically; 2) answer specific questions; 3) inform you when an event (e.g., an article has been published, your favorite book is on sale, the road you travel is under construction, your name has been mentioned on the web) has occurred; 4) provide custom news to you on a just-in-time format; 5) provide intelligent tutoring; 6) find you the best prices on nearly any item; 7) provide automatic services, such as checking web pages for changes or broken links.

Some agents may cost thousands of dollars, or just a few bucks. However, many agents are free, paid for either by advertising or venture capital. In the midst of this intelligent agent boom, there are many agents that can be used for free - many of these agents' links can be found here at BotKnowledge.

Agents can execute either on the web or from your local machine. Many agents function right from the web while others must be downloaded and used from your local machine. There are also some agents which do not need to have the World Wide Web to function, but the most useful ones do involve using the web to find, filter and fuse information.

There are many intelligent agents available, mostly over the web. The BotKnowledge website is a place where you may find many links, descriptions, reviews and information about intelligent agents. You may also subscribe to the BotKnowledge free newsletter to keep up on developments in the area of intelligent agents.

Yes, many books are being written about this new area of computer assistance, intelligent agents. BotKnowledge will provide reviews of these books at the BotKnowledge website.

BotKnowledge is a website dedicated to providing its users with the latest information related to Bots, and Artificial Intelligence. Our newsletter, bot reviews, bot lists, bot descriptions, and bot uses will keep you informed.

BotKnowledge will provide you with all the knowledge you need about bots. We will tell you about the bots, their functions, how to use them, and where to find them.

The people of BotKnowledge are eager to communicate with you. You may contact us by clicking here.

The people of BotKnowledge will gladly come to your school or business to present and discuss the exciting world of bots. You can find out about our recent presentations by clicking here. The people at BotKnowledge can also program bots to help your efficiency and productivity at your school or business.

BotKnowledge studies many different types of bots. The bots are categorized for your convenience. To see the bots we have referenced, click here.

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