Having trouble googling?

Sunny

Sunny

SF VIP
Location
Maryland
After years of using Google as my main search engine, usually with no trouble at all, I find that it doesn't seem to be working any more. At least, not for me. When I go to google.com and put in, say, the name of a song, instead of links to performances popping up, I get links that just give me lists of more links. So if I click on one of them, I get still more links. It's like running around on a wild goose chase. Either I never get to the subject I am looking for, or even if I do, it takes forever.

So, I'm wondering if there's some problem with my computer, maybe some malware? Or has google done something to make it practically impossible to use it as a free search engine?
 

OK, I think I may have a partial answer. It seems to depend on which browser I use.

My usual browser is Firefox. When I use that, it goes to something called Search Encrypt, some sort of convoluted version of Google that supposedly protects my privacy. I just found that it is possible to delete Search Encrypt, so that may fix the problem.

If I use the Microsoft Edge browser, it just uses plain, old-fashioned Google, and I don't run into any of that nonsense. I can't imagine why anybody would want that Search Encrypt, as all it seems to give me is lists of ads and more web sites, leading to still more web sites. Geez Louise, it was working fine before; why can't they just leave things alone?
 
AZ Jim said:
If anyone tracks me they'll die of boredom.
Click to expand...

The trouble is Jim, because Google tracks your movements, and searches..it means whenever you google for something it remembers your last searches and brings up most of the same stuff, whereas duck duck go will act like it's a brand new search every time...
 
Sunny said:
OK, I think I may have a partial answer. It seems to depend on which browser I use.

My usual browser is Firefox. When I use that, it goes to something called Search Encrypt, some sort of convoluted version of Google that supposedly protects my privacy. I just found that it is possible to delete Search Encrypt, so that may fix the problem.

If I use the Microsoft Edge browser, it just uses plain, old-fashioned Google, and I don't run into any of that nonsense. I can't imagine why anybody would want that Search Encrypt, as all it seems to give me is lists of ads and more web sites, leading to still more web sites. Geez Louise, it was working fine before; why can't they just leave things alone?
Click to expand...

You can still use Firefox, Sunny, but disable Search Encrypt then everything will work fine for you again. :) I also use Duck Duck Go and have been for months now because Google tracks you everywhere and your browsing history is never private. Google also controls everything you see and do NOT see. They can be completely obtuse if they don't want you to view a particular page or subject no matter how you phrase it. It's good to see so many other people here using Duck Duck Go.
 
I tried it, and Duckduckgo does the same thing as Google! It says it is redirecting my search to "Search Encrypt," to protect my privacy. (Both of them do that.) So I have to find a way to get rid of that. I think Search Encrypt is the problem.
 
hollydolly said:
The trouble is Jim, because Google tracks your movements, and searches..it means whenever you google for something it remembers your last searches and brings up most of the same stuff, whereas duck duck go will act like it's a brand new search every time...
Click to expand...

DDG will still leave a history trail on the hard drive, which can be recovered, if you have the proper know-how and recovery software.
 

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