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When you hear the word search engine, or even just internet in general, there is most likely one word that will jump into your mind: Google. Google has been dominating the search engine industry since the early 2000s and has become so much more than a medium for finding things online. From hosting meetings to advertising for a small business, and getting you the (most of the time) best directions to your favorite places, Google has certainly made a large claim over the expanse of the digital world.
Sometimes we need a bit of a change, however, as there are plenty of other search engines out there that offer different and sometimes better services than Google does. We’re going to take a look at Bing and a few other spotlight contenders to let you know that there are indeed options outside of Google.
The ever-long rivalry between Bing and Google is a fun one to get into. Since Bing’s birth in 2009, the Microsoft-driven search engine has grown to be a top contender in the search engine world. It currently stands as the second most popular search engine in the entire world, and that is only by a slim margin. Bing seems identical to Google on a surface level. It only takes a little digging to see what it does better than the tech giant.
The first noticeable thing is how Bing offers better video results and more attractive thumbnails. The overall aesthetic is a bit easier on the eyes and will often yield higher quality and resolution without having to tweak any settings. Another great thing is that since it is hosted by Microsoft, those with a Microsoft account can accrue points as they search. These points can then be used in various Microsoft stores, such as those on the Xbox Marketplace.
Amidst its fame, Google has also garnered a fair amount of infamy with its reputation for collecting data to be used for tailored ads. It tracks what kind of internet sites you visit and will create a curated search engine experience depending on where you tend to go more. This will also affect what kind of ads you see.
Have you ever thought it was odd how, after looking up fast food, you’re suddenly seeing ads for Doordash and Uber Eats everywhere? This is by no accident. For many, this feels like a breach of privacy. DuckDuckGo steps in by offering an entirely private search engine experience. They don’t track your whereabouts as you browse and don't store any personal information. Security is the name of the game when it comes to DuckDuckGo.
Yahoo, created in 1994, was the first big internet browsing spot. It dominated the 90s and into the early 2000s until Google made a swift and powerful takeover. Yahoo still stands today as a viable option for anyone looking for something a little different.
What makes Yahoo stand out is its specialized search areas. Utilizing their services focused around finance, sports, email, and the well-loved Yahoo Answers will give you better and more specialized search results than you might get with services such as Google or Bing.
As it goes to show, there are plenty of options out there outside of Google. Many offer better services and experiences, making it so that you’re not stuck with just one option. The internet is a vast space with plenty of room for alternatives. If you need further insight into how to get the most out of other internet search engines, stop by The American Society of Administration Professionals today to learn how to manage all of those services.
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