Google vs Bing - Who Wins?

Since the beginnings of the Internet there has been a constant argument over one of the basic aspects of usage; which search engine should I use? Until a couple of years ago there was little argument from me over the clear winner: Google, hands down. I don't believe that's the case anymore.

I am something of a "power user" of the web. I'm online pretty much any time I'm not actively doing something else. I've tried just about every search engine out there. Over the years a lot of players have tried to get into the game and failed.  There are only two big players to look at: Google and Bing. For quite a while now I've been using Bing. Yes, Bing.

Now, I hear the grumbling. "Microshaft sucks. Bing Sucks. I'm a Google user. But you are using Blogger". Well...

I won't touch on which company is more trustworthy (short answer: ultimately neither) but will concentrate on which engine gives ME better results and a better experience. And right now Bing is better for for my purposes. 

Search Results - I see almost no difference in results between Google and Bing. Bing results are just as relevant, and often far more useful, than Google. Bing also throws far fewer "sponsored" links into the results. Also, Bing doesn't censor image results. Google does. I'm an adult. I can choose for myself, thanks.

Layout - One place Google falls down is in how it visually presents itself. Nothing has really changed in Google since the early days. It gives you results, but mostly in the form of links to other sites. Bing presents photos, quick links to relevant sites (IMDB, Wikipedia, etc) on the right side. When searching films you'll see actor, director and other information. When searching bands you'll get former members and popular releases. MUCH more information is presented at your fingertips. Google gives some of that information but I feel Bing presents it better. And the Bing landing page is MUCH more attractive, if that matters to you. 

This:

Or this?

Overall User Experience - Here, to me, is where Bing outshines its larger rival. Bing offers the Rewards program which offers points for search, daily activities, daily streaks and occasional bonus points. None of the daily activities are time consuming being mostly certain holiday or history based searches and short trivia quizzes. This isn't a "get rich scheme" by any means. In roughly 3 years I've earned something in the neighborhood of $200 worth of gift cards, storage on One Drive and Hulu monthly subscription fees. The gift cards available as of this writing are

• Starbucks
• Amazon
• AMC Theaters
• Burger King
• Hulu
• Target
• Wal-Mart
• Regal Cinemas
• NFL Shop
• Dominos
• REI
• Sephora
• Dell
• Microsoft Store

There is also a program where you can donate points to various charities as well as sweepstakes for various computers and Microsoft products. The rewards change occasionally and more are added all the time.

I don't see any real downside to using Bing. I'm getting value back for doing what I do anyway. Any extra effort is minimal. The information I want is generally right in front of me. And if I MUST give my information to a faceless, soulless conglomerate at least I am getting something in return. 

Bing.com

How To Unclutter A Web Page In One Easy Step

Courtesy of one of my favorite bloggers, Book Of Joe, here's a handy website that turns normally cluttered webpages into an easy to digest and simple format. 

Turns this: 

Into this:

 

Can A Person Eat 110+ Year Old Beef And Survive?

YouTube MRE reviewer Steve1989 answers that question. 

Steve seems like a genuinely cool (if a bit twisted) guy and he's always worth a watch, even if you couldn't care less about MREs, which I generally don't. 

Lewis and Clark and Feces and Mercury

Dan Lewis is a writer who sends out a daily email called "Now I Know". "Now I  Know" is a daily nugget or two of information/trivia that is well written, well researched and very engaging. I've been a subscriber for years and can't recommend it enough.

Today's nugget involves explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, their western explorations and how we know where they were. Or at least one place where they were. Based on mercury.

Here's the web version of the article. The website contains the "Now I Know" archives. There goes the day.

http://nowiknow.com/the-gross-metallic-secret-behind-americas-westward-expansion/

Vic Is Upset, It Appears

And it's not the first time. Just the latest. 

NSFW language. 

 

Cuban Guitarist Hears Stevie Ray Vaughan For The First Time

Pretty much the reaction everyone has the first time they hear SRV. And his final comment is the EXACT reaction every guitarist has. Beautiful video. 

We Don't Use The Word "Nostalgia" Around Here

We'll call this "Vintage photographic recordings of past history".

Flashbak has a ton of old photos, advertisements and general nos...cultural memories. Most excellent site and a wonderful waster of time.

https://flashbak.com

Here's Mick Jagger (trying to make plaid look fashionable) and Marianne Faithful (who always looked fashionable) in 1969.

Jeron "Blind Boy" Paxton

A real, live, Honest To Goodness Bluesman? TODAY? Yep.

I love acoustic blues. And this guy is the real stuff. "Broke and Hungry Blues". And one of the more unique harmonica solos you'll ever see.

More information.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerron_%22Blind_Boy%22_Paxton

How Not To Be Stupid Online

Suddenly it seems everyone is up-in-arms about online security. Nothing has changed, and nothing has surprised anyone who pays attention, but the world at large seems shocked...SHOCKED that companies are using, storing and sharing their data. We are the product and not the consumer in these relationships and doing what you can to protect yourself online is vitally important. Here are my tips:

-Change your passwords often and use unique passwords always. Seems obvious but it's such a hassle most people don't bother. The bother is worth it. One good way to see if your password has been stolen is to check this site

https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords 

which checks your pass against a database of known data breaches. Interesting and useful. If you pass shows up CHANGE IT NOW! I recently bit the bullet and started using LastPass, which stores all your passwords under a single password. It is available as a browser extension and is quite easy to use. Makes life easier AND safer.

-Never, ever, ever go online without using anti-malware, anti-virus and firewall software.  Again, seems obvious but many people don't. As much as I hate to say it Microsoft's Windows Defender has matured into a viable option. First thing I do with any new computer is remove whatever trial security software might be there. Most are bloated and many are NOT secure no matter what they claim. I am quite a fan of MalwareBytes as an anti-malware solution.

-Use some manner of adblocker and redirect blocker in your browser of choice. I used Opera for years and loved it for it's small footprint, but now that my equipment has gotten better and memory isn't such an issue I use Firefox for almost everything. Mostly for the security extensions. I use Adblock Plus, Privacy Badger and Skip Redirect and I've had good results. 

-Don't be stupid This seems to be the hard one for a lot of people. The rules are pretty simple. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most modern browsers will show you the URL behind a hotlink by hovering over it. If you don't recognize the link or email address, or if the link isn't going where you think it will be going, DON'T CLICK IT! Learn a bit about how links work and keep up a bit with current scams going around. The internet is a lot like walking in a city you don't know. Be aware, be cautious and keep you eyes and brain open. 

Another interesting and useful option for Google and Facebook allows you to download a complete copy of your history on the site for review. This WILL result in a very large amount of data, so be warned!!! My Google history resulted in a nearly 10 GIGABYTE download, most of which was Google Drive! You do have the option to choose which services' data you download so you might wish to skip Drive. 

-Google allows you to see your activity here. Or you can download it. CNBC has a useful article that will walk you through the steps here. You'll get an email in a day or two giving 1gb sized links to the download. I noticed some redundancy but it's certainly complete.

-Facebook also allows history download. Go to your homepage. Click the down carat (arrow) next to the question mark in the blue toolbar at the top and click "settings" which takes you to "General Account Settings". Below "Delete Your Account" there is an option to "Download a copy of your FaceBook data". It's a slow process which may take a few days, but you'll receive an email to a link. The download can be VERY large, and it's VERY complete.  

Anyone else have similar links to other portals? Please post them in the comments.  

Fawkes Returns!

Fawkes pulls up in front of the ramshackle building that hides the basement and sighs at the work ahead of him. Hacking his way through the weeds he makes it to the sewer grate which covers the entrance to the basement. Inserting the key he finds the lock rusted. Cursing he goes back for tools. After much struggle the hatch opens and he enters the Basement for the first time in years...

 New life...new changes...time to give this another shot. 

Welcome to the Basement. Beer and other libations are in the kitchen, fridge is stocked with health food (chips, snack cakes, pizza...no, MENTAL health food). A carefully curated selection of Metal, New Wave and oddities are cued up on the stereo. 

To quote noted documentary filmmaker Marty DiBerghi; Enough of my yakkin', let's boogie.