Poll What is Your Favorite Search Engine?

[7Oz-64]

Changing to DDG, but "Keeps parameters" when you erase history or set to "clear data on exit" when restart all parameters are gone, load cloud parameters works indeed but each time you'll have to enter password, it's a bit annoying i think/imho so for now it works like this, automatically load parameters :

 

[TairikuOkami]

Changing to DDG, but "Keeps parameters" when you erase history or set to "clear data on exit" when restart all parameters are gone

DDG allows to create search URL with custom settings, so there is no need to save them, but it is a bit difficult to setup.

How To Use URL Parameters To Change Your DuckDuckGo Search Settings - DuckDuckGo Help Pages

DuckDuckGo doesn’t track you. That’s the DuckDuckGo privacy policy in a nutshell.

duckduckgo.com

I for one disable AI and that is not even available in parameters.

 

[7Oz-64]

@TairikuOkami
Yes i've ever seen that, but when data are cleared, restart browser with all these parameters (eg custom url new tab or custom startpage, it does not work at all, like you said AI parameters, this is why i've automated my Chrome launcher, alls parameters are still there upon restart, but idk, maybe i'am doing something wrong with How To Use URL Parameters To Change Your DuckDuckGo Search Settings - DuckDuckGo Help Pages

 

[TairikuOkami]

@TairikuOkami
Yes i've ever seen that, but when data are cleared, restart browser with all these parameters

You can supposedly copy/paste the custom or cloud URL into browser's search settings, it is not affected by cookies or cleared data, but it never worked for me.

I do it via policies, but it fails with a custom URL. As I said, it is not easy to setup properly and there is no support.

 

[7Oz-64]

You can supposedly copy/paste the custom or cloud URL into browser's search settings, it is not affected by cookies or cleared data, but it never worked for me.

I do it via policies, but it fails with a custom URL. As I said, it is not easy to setup properly and there is no support.

View attachment 296330 View attachment 296332

So i will stick with my methods, work like a charm, if you're interested, i can share you the config file.

 

[7Oz-64]

@TairikuOkami
I think it's not working with offline url cause you must load parameters with a passphrase (password), with custom url the page is displayed but settings are default until you enter credentials, this is what i 've experienced.

 

[7Oz-64]

@TairikuOkami
You will need AutoHotKey V2 for the ahk file, Windows Spy for set the pixel of the auto mouse clic and Ahk2.exe to convert to exe, for the timing (sleep), it depends of your net speed, if you set to low it will not work. Easy txt file, create a blank ahk with AutoHotKey file then copy paste and enter your personal fields.

 

[lokamoka820]

Changing to DDG, but "Keeps parameters" when you erase history or set to "clear data on exit" when restart all parameters are gone, load cloud parameters works indeed but each time you'll have to enter password, it's a bit annoying i think/imho so for now it works like this, automatically load parameters :

View attachment 296329

Off-topic:

Would you kindly share your installed software list in the thread below? I'm interested. By the way, I like the wallpaper.

Advice Request Thread 'What are the essential programs that you will still install on your Windows system in 2026, and what are the programs that you will stop using?'

Dec 31, 2025

As the new year approaches, tech enthusiasts will be reviewing their installed applications, identifying those they consider essential on their systems, as well as those they no longer need, either because built-in Windows programs are sufficient or for other reasons. So, if you're one of these users, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the following points:

• What essential programs do you still install?
• What programs did you previously use but no longer use?

Thank you.

• lokamoka820
• Replies: 152
• Forum: Windows 11

• 

 

[Sampei.Nihira]

I use this combination:

https://start.duckduckgo.com/?kbg=-1&kbe=0&kbj=1&kp=-2&kav=1&kac=-1&kae=-1&k1=-1&kk=-1&kaj=m&kat=-1&kay=b&kv=-1&kak=-1&kax=-1&kaq=-1&kap=-1&kao=-1&kau=-1

 

[lokamoka820]

I switched from DuckDuckGo to Brave Search.

 

[simmerskool]

I switched from DuckDuckGo to Brave Search.

I asked chatGPT to rate in terms of search content & privacy security: today it ranked Brave 1, then startpage 2, then ddg 3... several months ago startpage was 1 -- I'm trying Brave again too... (fwiw)

 

[lokamoka820]

Beyond the Overview: Our top alternatives to Google’s continuous AI push in search results

Many users are increasingly fed up with Google's aggressive push toward artificial intelligence, particularly with the introduction of AI Overviews, which the company describes as “a snapshot of key information about a topic or question with links so you can easily explore more on the web”. Between these overviews, AI summaries, and AI-powered direct answers, artificial intelligence has become ubiquitous in the Google Search experience, often cluttering results with synthesized content rather than direct links. For those tired of wading through algorithmic interpretations and yearning for simpler, more straightforward search results, a growing number of no-AI alternatives are here to reclaim the traditional search experience.

https://alternativeto.net/news/2026/6/beyond-the-overview-our-top-alternatives-to-google-s-continuous-ai-push-in-search-results/

 

[Templarware]

I keep trying the Duck from time to time, but the results keep being disappointing. Always takes more time to find the answers and forget about complex rabbit hole questions.

 

[7Oz-64]

Anyone try this :

DuckDuckGo No-AI: Private Search Without AI

DuckDuckGo private search with all AI features turned off. The classic results you expect. Always private.

noai.duckduckgo.com

 

[lokamoka820]

I gave it a quick test and it yields the same results as DuckDuckGo, but without the "Search Assist" box appearing above the results.

 

[Templarware]

I gave it a quick test and it yields the same results as DuckDuckGo, but without the "Search Assist" box appearing above the results.

Then it didn't need to exist, you can disable the search assist box in the settings of the regular DuckDuckGo.

 

[Marko :)]

I switched my devices to Ecosia few weeks ago to see what's the fuss about. I like it though I really miss those info cards, details about local businesses, news and sports in search results. Unfortunately, Ecosia only shows basic snippets on topic from Wikipedia and that's pretty much it.

Now I'm using DuckDuckGo and it looks way better in this regard. It doesn't use Google Maps and instead uses Apple Maps; I'm okay with this because pretty much all local businesses on Google Maps are present on Apple Maps as well. I'll probably stay with DuckDuckGo.

 

[Divine_Barakah]

I am using DuckDuckGo

 

[simmerskool]

a while ago I was using DDG then chatGPT said suggest that Startpage was more private with better results, but then a few months later chatGPT suggested Brave was better choice but I haven't been using Brave browser (despite trying it every once in awhle), and chatGPT recently suggested try nagi which is not listed above and has a small monthly fee, and a free trial. Last night I stumbled into a youtube video techie who concluded nagi is currently the best search engine, a meta-search engine, that is also private, and was meeting all her search criteria. I haven't used nagi enough to "recommend" it (fwiw) but you might want to try their free 100 searches if you think you need a better search engine.

 

[lokamoka820]

In her conclusion, she selected Brave Search as the top choice, a sentiment I share since it works perfectly for me as well. Interestingly, you don't need the Brave Browser to use it; I have set it as my default search engine across all my browsers.