Force the use of a search index necessary?

[Steve]

I selected and created the fulltext search method but I'm confused by the 'Force the use of a search index' checkbox. Do I need to check that or no? The manual isn't very clear.

[Illori]

it is not clear on that as i dont know the purpose of that option other then what it says. i dont have much information on if it *has* to be used or not and what effect it may have. same with the match whole words only option.

[roshaoar]

On this topic, is the search index updated automatically somewhere within SMF?

Thank you

[a10]

I'm confused by the 'Force the use of a search index'

is the search index updated automatically somewhere within SMF?

Same questions here.