Searching beyond Google

You don’t (and probably shouldn’t) have to only use Google as your search engine. There are many others and Firefox browser’s search bar at the upper right of your browser allows you to easily select the search engine that meets your needs.

Below is a picture of my search bar and the search engines that are currently available for me to use. All you need to do is click the drop-down arrow next to the G (yeah, for Google) and you will see your search engines. By default I use Google, but when I need to look for Creative Commons licensed images, I can easily select the Creative Commons search engine from the drop-down box. I can also install any number of custom search engines, too.

By clicking the “Manage Search Engines” at the bottom of the drop-down list, you then are offered the choice of getting more search engines. You may find a search engine that really focuses on your content area or you just like better. So, you can add that to this list and even make that the default search engine.

Speaking of the numbers of search engines out there, I would highly recommend taking a look at Ray Schroeder’s blog (no relationship, but he is also from Springfield, Illinois, MY HOME TOWN, and I really need to meet him sometime!): http://alternatesearch.blogspot.com

Ray’s blog on alternate search engines offers a lot of useful information. You might find the search engine that meets your specific needs. Remember, even though we think Google is the ONLY search engine, there are many alternatives out there. Find the one (or several) that suits you.