Google Isn't Your Only Search Option

01/26/2012

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:

Click image to enlarge.

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

Comments

Jenna Mills link

01/27/2012 1:11pm

Looks like I have some more Add-Ons to, well, add on! Thanks for the list.

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01/27/2012 5:47pm

Great article! I'm also a firefox & chrome user and had never thought to break out of the google haze. I've just had a play with bing and already have some new results to check. Thanks for the prompt!

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03/23/2012 4:22am

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07/18/2012 1:29am

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Laura Davenport

03/04/2013 1:15pm

Unfortunately, Google is the one with the special perks especially for genealogical searching. If you aren't familiar with them here's a link:http://www.searchforancestors.com/google/searcher.html; Google usually does a workshop at NGS with hints to maximize the search experience. Chrome also has a cool little plug in that allows searching Ancestry and Family search concurrently. Not that I don't also use Bing, but some effort has been put into Google to optimize it for genealogy if you know how to do this. So, about 90% of the time I'll stick with Google.

Caroline Pointer

03/04/2013 4:28pm

Laura,

As it happens, I am very familiar with the various genealogy-specialized search engines. However, not all of my readers are familiar with them. In fact, many, many of the newer online genealogy hobbyists are not familiar with them, and many - if they even think about it - use just Google.

Likewise, it never hurts to use many different ways to find information online especially since Google is constantly tweaking its search engines for its own purposes as I discuss in another blog post: Will I Duck Cook Google's Goose?
[ http://www.4yourfamilystory.com/1/post/2012/05/will-a-duck-cook-googles-goose.html ]

It is, indeed, wonderful for you that you are aware of the many ways to search online and that you are able to determine what is best for you and your searching needs.

Thank you very much for stopping by and sharing your Internet searching experience.

~C

Carol

04/25/2013 6:51pm

Hi, I too got stuck on mostly using Google search or Bing if I am on Explorer so appreciate this information. I am here to learn so thanks!

Caroline

05/03/2013 7:28am

Welcome, Carol!

I'm glad you found the information helpful. I think I learn something new every day. And I think it can be easy to get stuck on searching the same way every time.

Thanks for stopping by and reading! :)

~C