Use Startpage (Ixquick) to Search the Internet in Privacy

Are you disgusted with search engines logging and retaining all information concerning every search that you do on the Internet? Then Startpage will give you back your privacy and peace of mind.

Startpage (previously known as Ixquick) has a pleasant easy layout for the search homepage with related links, adding Startpage to your browser, more information, and settings. It is advisable to have a quick look at the Settings Page to check if you need to make any refinements to the search parameters or how your search results will then be displayed.


Startpage Settings
This is what the settings page looks like. You can immediately modify how your results will display, the filtering level that you wish, video filtering if preferred, enable secure https connections, and finally, anonymous picture searching if desired.
Note: Startpage will place a cookie on your computer only to maintain your desired settings.


So How Private is Startpage?
Startpage does not record IP addresses nor retain any records on the searches that you do (that is simply awesome, right?).


Startpage has bagged awards and recognition by the European Data Protection Supervisor and the Certified Secure Service for their excellent work in protecting your privacy.

Startpage also references a very well known incident (the AOL Privacy Scandal – August 2006) to basically demonstrate just how easily information retained by search engines can be turned against people.
There is also an active link so that you will be able to take a look at the leaked database for yourself. It will leave you with a less than wholesome feeling by just thinking about it and what can be done with that kind of information.


More Information About Startpage Search
Startpage uses multiple search services to provide you results – anonymously! You even see an accuracy indicator for specific results with “Star Ratings”. The higher the number of stars that are shown for a specific result, the higher the possibility that it is a good match for what you are looking for.


Once you have the results for a search displayed, you can also further refine the results by using the “Check Mark/X Mark” method that will be displayed beside some of the results.
Note: You need to activate this feature on the settings page for you to be able to use it.


Here is an example at the services that Startpage utilizes to help you search with. You can simply deselect any of the search services that you do not want to have used.


What Do the Search Results Look Like?
This is an example of a search for the term “Firefox Fangirl” with Startpage. Notice the “Star Ratings” and the “Check Mark/X Mark” power refinements shown besides these results. Star Ratings will differ depending on the specific information that you are searching for.
For this example, the search was performed using a less well-known reference term to check how well Startpage did with it.


Conclusion
If you’re already sick and tired of being tracked and having your searches logged and recorded for someone else’s database use, then Startpage can offer a refreshing change of pace and grant you back your peace of mind.
Source: https://us2.startpage.com/?r=9686