In a previous post, I highlighted a few of the first generation search engines and their protocols; well in this blog post, we’ll be exploring search engines that are still in use to this day. This list might not highlight every single search engine present (in these times), but most of the popular ones will be checked, for example the first on the list:
Basically the most popular search engine out there. Google has made a name for itself over the years with its powerful search algorithms, which crawls and indexes web pages to provide users with the best search result ranging from websites to images, videos and more. Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs) comes with additional elements such rich snippets, featured snippets and knowledge panels that enhance the search experience. With extra features like Google Maps and Google Assistant amongst many, it’s no wonder Google stays atop this list.
Bing
Microsoft’s very own search engine and Google’s most prominent contender. Bing is similar to Google in providing search results, including high quality image search, video search, shopping suggestions and also maps. Bing also provides search results for Yahoo; this means, if your blog for example, is visible on Bing, be rest assured it is also available on Yahoo
Yahoo
Older than Google but still relevant over the years, Yahoo search is powered by Bing and although it is not as popular as it was in latter years, it still maintains credibility and is still a viable option, plus users can have access to Yahoo mail through the Yahoo homepage. All in all, Yahoo search still works
DuckDuckGo
You know when you do a google search and after some days you get recommendations based off that search on Facebook or Youtube, you can ignore all that by just using DuckDuckGo as your search engine. DuckDuckGo has gained massive popularity for its online privacy and as a user who really loves online privacy, I concur.
Baidu
Often termed the “Google of China” Baidu is China’s number one search engine. As a majority of internet users are aware of, there are a lot of content censored in China; Baidu obeys these censorship laws and also provides detailed search results for its Chinese users. It is also tailored for the Chinese market and goes straight to the point.
Yandex
Russia has got its own search engine too. Yandex is much more popular than Google in Russia and it provides information and services like image search, email services, cloud storage and many more. If you’ve got all that, then what else do you need Google for?
I wish my country had its own search engine……..hmmmm……….. enough daydreaming, unto the next on my list:
Wolfram Alpha
This is basically a nerd search, ‘Knowledge engine’. No offence to nerds reading this, I also am a nerd so it’s all good. Instead of providing a list of web pages, Wolfram Alpha delivers factual and data-driven answers to your queries. From mathematical calculations to scientific facts and other more focused subjects, Wolfram Alpha excels in giving you just what you need.
Ecosia
I term this the “Environmental Search Engine” although it partners with Bing to provide search results, any and all ad revenue garnered by Ecosia is used to plant trees around the world. So if you need to search online while also paying for a good cause with just your online presence, then Ecosia is the search engine for you.
Honestly there are a lot more search engines out there, but I believe this list provided in the least, the most popular and oddly important ones. Whether you are looking for a variety of web pages that answer your questions or you value your internet privacy, you could live in China or maybe you are an eco-conscious individual. The good news is, there is most likely a search engine out there for you.
P.S. don’t think I forgot about you Nerds!