Whenever I install a Windows system, I use Microsoft Edge (which uses Bing for internet services) to download Firefox, and then I can start using Google again.

Sorry. Series answer to dreamy question.

Rest easy. You can always use Bing to find Google, thus giving Bing actual purpose.

Think. Again.

(22,456 posts)

2. Duck, Duck, GO!

Reply to Earth-shine (Reply #1)

Sun Oct 8, 2023, 08:02 AM

Oct 2023

Earth-shine

(4,044 posts)

4. So, you are saying that DDG is better than Bing for finding Google?

Reply to Think. Again. (Reply #2)

Sun Oct 8, 2023, 08:08 AM

Oct 2023

I do this to slap MS in the face by using them to get to Firefox and Google, because MS forces me to use their products on a new installation.

DDG is a great service. But, for a time there, they were sending user data to MS. I believe that stopped after it was publicized.

Think. Again.

(22,456 posts)

5. I had no idea DDG was sending data!...

Reply to Earth-shine (Reply #4)

Sun Oct 8, 2023, 08:12 AM

Oct 2023

I started using DDG years ago specifically because it seemed the least data-grabby out of all of them.

I was about to say I need to look into that but honestly, there just isn't any alternative that's 'safe' anymore (if there ever was).

Earth-shine

(4,044 posts)

8. It had something to do with DDG using MS code and subroutines in the programming of DDG.

Reply to Think. Again. (Reply #5)

Sun Oct 8, 2023, 08:28 AM

Oct 2023

I just Googled "duck duck go sends data to Microsoft". Oh, the irony.

DuckDuckGo browser allows Microsoft trackers due to search agreement

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/duckduckgo-browser-allows-microsoft-trackers-due-to-search-agreement/

DuckDuckGo removes carve-out for Microsoft tracking scripts after securing policy change

https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/05/duckduckgo-microsoft-tracking-scripts/

Think. Again.

(22,456 posts)

9. Thanks!

Reply to Earth-shine (Reply #8)

Sun Oct 8, 2023, 08:52 AM

Oct 2023

Looks like the issue was with the DDG browser, and is (as) 'fixed' (as we can hope for).

I use Firefox for a browser, but with DDG search.

bucolic_frolic

(55,819 posts)

3. Inquiring minds are wondering

Reply to Floyd R. Turbo (Original post)

Sun Oct 8, 2023, 08:07 AM

Oct 2023

MiHale

(13,169 posts)

6. Archie and Neeva...

Reply to Floyd R. Turbo (Original post)

Sun Oct 8, 2023, 08:12 AM

Oct 2023

we’re sitting on a Dogpile watching the Northern Lights and admiring the AltaVista getting Excite(d) when Neeva comments Lycos always Ask Jeeves.

Take your pick!

Emile

(43,268 posts)

7. That would make a great episode for the Twilight Zone.

Reply to Floyd R. Turbo (Original post)

Sun Oct 8, 2023, 08:13 AM

Oct 2023

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