3 ways to search the web without Google tracking you | Business … – Charleston Post Courier

Google has become synonymous with finding information. But even the mighty Google has its drawbacks, especially if you value your privacy. The worlds most famous search site is also known for saving your search history, reading your email in Gmail, and tracking what you click online.

Tip in a tip: Did you know that Google also tracks your physical location and dates you were there? Go to http://tinyurl.com/hxdc2hg to see a map showing your detailed location history.

Before you break out the torches and pitchforks, remember that Google is trying to make its services as useful as possible. The companys goal is to find out what you want before you want it.

Maybe you want a break from the well-meaning surveillance. What are your alternatives these days? Which search engines dont step on your virtual heels? Here are three ways to search the internet that you may find refreshing.

This search engine is unusual in many ways. First, it wasnt developed in California, but in suburban Pennsylvania. Second, DuckDuckGo has a mission to keep users information private and to prevent personalized search results.

So whats wrong with personalized search results? Dont you want your phone or computer to cater to your interests? The creators of DuckDuckGo assert that this kind of technology creates a filter bubble. Google specializes in sending you only the content that the company thinks you want, not everything available.

Theres more to DuckDuckGo than just not being Google. The search engine includes nifty calculators and other tricks youve come to expect, and you can customize its interface, with search shortcuts and an Instant Answers feature.

You might be surprised by the quality of Instant Answers, which easily rivals Googles Knowledge Graph. You can also make DuckDuckGo an extension of your browser and activate more privacy settings to keep your search history as protected as possible. Go to http://tinyurl.com/lxaw6gq to check out DuckDuckGo.

Ixquick calls itself the worlds most private search site. That may sound a little grand, but theyve earned their stripes. Ixquick doesnt record your IP address, browser information or search history.

The real magic of Ixquick is its search by proxy feature. This means that websites have no idea what IP address youre using. As a customer browsing their pages, you are basically invisible. This feature does have the potential to slow down your searches, but that will be a small price to pay for people who give their privacy top priority.

Heres an example: Suppose you use Ixquick to search for a term like Komando. Your search results will look similar to Googles, with a list of websites it has found that match your search. But each result has three options: Just click the regular link, and youll visit the page as you normally would, meaning the website can see you.

Or you can choose Highlight to see the sites most basic information. This way, youre not visiting the site, just seeing what its about. Finally, you can pick Proxy, which means you will remain anonymous. Those sites will only see Ixquicks IP address, not yours. Go to http://tinyurl.com/m7vyk8m to use Ixquick.

If youre looking for something a little more sophisticated, you might consider Tor. This name started as an acronym for The Onion Router, and its very popular among computer-savvy circles.

The Tor Project describes itself as an anonymity network, which means that privacy is its primary goal. The companys logo has an onion, which is more than just a cute cartoon. Tor uses sophisticated encryption software that behaves like the layers of an onion, making it virtually impossible for someone to track your movements online. Tor bounces your communications through a global network, a real headache for anyone trying to find your physical location.

You may have heard of Tor because this same technology is used to access the Dark Web. Go to ??? to learn more about the Dark Web.

That may sound creepy, and its true that Tor has been used for illegal activity online, but the software itself is perfectly legal and shouldnt pose any problems. Remember, its not the tool that causes problems but how you use it.

Before you rush to the Tor website and download the free software, keep in mind that Tor may slow down your searches, and it may also change your web browsers settings. Go to http://tinyurl.com/lgen79l to install and use the Tor browser.

Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, the Internet and digital lifestyles. Hear it locally at 94.3 WSC noon-3 p.m. Sundays.

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3 ways to search the web without Google tracking you | Business ... - Charleston Post Courier