Google Isn't Your Only Search Option

01/26/2012

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_ With Google changing their privacy settings which will allow Google to fully monitor how a user searches across all of its sites [like Google Search, YouTube, etc.] and after a comment on Twitter about how a Bing search result came up with some different results than a Google search, I thought I might go over some search settings and options [not genealogy-specific] that I use in my Mozilla Firefox browser. Because after all, we're researchers looking for results. We don't really care what tool gets us information about our ancestors as long as we get them fast and accurately, right? [Just nod your head.]

Currently, I primarily use Mozilla Firefox 9.0 browser for my browsing needs. I also use Google Chrome, but since Firefox 9.0 came out, I've been very pleased with the Firefox browser's performance. What I really appreciate is all the add-ons that I can add to the Firefox browser that increases its functionality especially when it comes to searching for information on the internet.

I have 4 search-related extension add-ons that I have added to my Firefox browser:Here's a short video on Instant Fox Quick Search:


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Click image to enlarge.
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The Firefox Browser has a search box incorporated onto the tool bar. Its default setting is Google [cuz who doesn't use Google, right?]. However, the default can be changed rather easily by clicking on the little arrow located in the search box. [I'd show a screen shot, but I already have the above listed extension add-ons and the Instant Fox one changes the look of the tool bar and search box a bit.] Anywho, when you click on the arrow, a menu drops down with other standard search plugins as follows:
  • Google [which is the default]
  • Google Images
  • Google Maps
  • Wikipedia
  • YouTube
  • Amazon
  • eBay
  • Twitter
  • Weather
  • IMDb
  • Google Luck
  • Calculator
  • Google Translator
Some of these are useful, and some are not. However, Firefox allows you to add more search plugin add-ons. These can be found by using the Mozilla Firefox Add-On Home Page [That is, if you haven't added the Instant Fox Quick Search 2.6.1 extension add-on which allows you to add it in the drop down menu on the fly]. By entering the phrase "search engines" into the add-on search box on the add-ons page, you'll get a multi-page list of search-related plugin add-ons and extension add-ons. [See the above image on right-hand side.] What you choose is up to you. Most provide clear descriptions of their functions, how many downloads there are of it, how many reviews there are, the actual reviews, and a 0-5 star rating. [Here are complete instructions for customizing Firefox with add-ons.] I have installed the following plug-ins that are accessed with the search box on the Firefox browser tool bar and each one is linked to the its Firefox info and download page:

Not all of them are for genealogy-related searching, and in fact, some are just added functionality for other purposes. So. Do you use any search-related extension add-ons? How about search plugins? If you do, which ones?

~Caroline
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