Alternative search engines

Edge is Microsoft's browser, similar to Firefox, Chrome and lots of other browsers.

 

Thank you, I assume therefore that I'd be able to look things up on it, like I do on Google ?

 

Yes, you could even use Google on it, although Bing is the default search engine.

 

Thank you.

 

I've used Edge/Bing for many years Michael and don't have any issues with it. My previous computer and W10 wasn't compatible with Google or Firefox so I switched to Edge/Bing and have stayed with it on my current computer and W11.

If you decide to try it, give it a few weeks to get used to it as it functions a little different to the others.

 

Thank you @Sheal, when I open a new tab that's the page that always appears. Up until now I've ignored it because I didn't know what it was, but I'll be using it in future

 

When you open a web page you are asked to accept cookies regardless of whichever browser you are using. Cookies can track you for reason of adverting products and other reasons, usually not malicious. You often have the option to say no to cookies, or choose cookies when they ask. Also, you can delete cookies in Google as soon as you leave a website. It's quick and easy to do once you've done it a couple of times.

Windows Defender does a good job as an antivirus software. You get a little more protection with free products such as Bitdefender, Avast, AVG, Avira. Bitdefender have risen to the top of Which? magazine tests.

Free programs will flag up warnings such as 'Fix broken registry', 'Remove unused programs/programs slowing your computer down', but only for the reason of buying extra features in their paid for versions. 99.9% of the time these warnings are nothing to be concerned about. I don't bother and carry on with the free version, and have done so for decades.

Now that AI has been included in Google I'm getting fantastic results.

 

@TattyMac I've come across a few sites recently where I was previously able to 'Reject All' cookies on but now can't access the site without accepting them all. Those sites I now don't use.

 

Cookies are placed on your machine to monitor your internet activity. You can allow them whilst using their site and delete them when you want to leave.

If you change you Microsoft Edge browser settings for instance, to prevent the saving and reading of cookies outright, you'll find that many sites won't function afterwards, including banks who need to be ultra secure themselves. So cookies can be for security reasons as well and generally they aren't a huge security problem. They can be exploited and it's fair that you bat away sites you don't need. But I find that some sites are needed and I have to allow their cookies. Afterwards, I delete them. I'm not hugely concerned by cookies but they are annoying.

What is a big concern for me is Windows 11's Copilot AI, which takes screenshots on your computer every so many seconds whilst you're using it. I don't like Microsoft taking control of my computer full stop. But they try very hard!

 

I had Windows 11 installed last week, on my Desktop. I don't find it a problem - and we use Google Chrome.
Mind you, I've not actually used the desktop since. My OH hasn't reported any issues - and believe me - if there were any, I'd know pretty quickly!!
I don't like the idea of AI keeping tabs on me, but it needs a lot of patience with me. I must be amongst the top 50 boring people on this planet. I'm not on any social media - except WhatsApp, where I link with family mostly.

 

It's just being rolled out as a Windows update according to news sources, and I would expect it to act behind the scenes. You might not know it's happening and it doesn't need patience, just freedom to roam all over your computer, which it allows itself to do.

Not a social media fan myself and less so with all the recent issues in the press.