Google has become the Goliath of the Internet. This should be obvious to anyone who spends time online.
No matter where one goes Google’s fingerprints are everywhere…. from chain stores using Google Maps to indicate their stores’ locations, to Google Calendars, and even ads placed by Google’s AdWords.
However, Google’s Internet dominance is most apparent when it comes to search.
In fact the English word google has become synonymous with searching for information. If your friend is asking you for the population of Wyoming you could simply tell her to “google it!” and she will know exactly what you mean. If you were to say “Bing it” or “Yahoo it” she’ll look at you like you were crazy.
Over the years many search engines have challenged Google’s dominance… but no one has even come close to toppling this modern day version of Goliath. However, there is an emerging challenger that could possibly take down the giant…. and this new challenger is a duck.
DuckDuckGo.com to be specific.
The main advantage to using DuckDuckGo is privacy. Google and most other search engines have sophisticated ways of recording, tracking, and processing information about you. This information is then used to sell targeted advertisements (BTW, you are the target). Search engines can also sell your profile information to retailers or anyone else (In other words, YOU are the product that they are selling).
Another advantage of DuckDuckGo is an extensive set of “Goodies” to help you quickly obtain the information you are looking for.
Other advantages include “!Bang” shortcodes to quickly narrow your search to a type of website or even a specific website. What is the weather like in Honolulu? search “!96801 weather“. Would you like to browse amazon’s selection of ESV Bibles? Simply search “!a esv bible” and you will be taken directly to Amazon’s website with their selection of ESV Bibles to look through.
To be clear DuckDuckGo’s search engine does not offer all of the features that Google’s does. Nor does DuckDuckGo offer a whole host of integrated products such as email, calendar, and contact management. However DuckDuckGo does offer a solid search product with several key advantages over Google– most specifically privacy.
Looking for the population of the state of Wyoming? Just DuckDuckGo it!
About Scott Thomson
Scott Thomson made a profession of faith early in life. However it was during his late teenage years when he obeyed the call of the Lord Jesus to repent. Luke 5:32. In his service to the Lord Scott regularly preaches in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States. Scott also maintains his own blog Digital Sojourner where he regularly writes about technology and Christianity.
Tags: DuckDuckGo, Google, Search
Great article and it’s good to keep up on new websites that challenge the status quo. By the way, I duckduckgo’d the population of Wyoming and it’s 568,158.
very interesting. i like the site. thanks!