How to filter list using CAML query from a custom search field?

Background

I'm configuring a custom WSS application that focuses 开发者_开发百科around one main list. I want to replace the top sharepoint search box with my custom search. After clicking on search I want to load a page with a webpart presenting the results (basically filtered list using CAML query). I'm using WSS not MOSS so I cannot just configure a search scope, and still CAML seems to give me exacly what I want. How can I connect webpart and a custom search that not always are on the same page?

Questions

How can I connect webpart and a custom search that not always are on the same page?

I'm new to SharePoint programming and I have a deadline in few days :) so I will really appreciate pointing me in the right direction xD

Thanks in advance

I recently posted two articles (part 1 | part 2) with very similar solution done with JavaScript. It allows you to do "search as you type" over a single list.

It is not exactly the thing you are looking for but it might help.