Google Homepage
93I decided to publish Google Homepage review from my good friend Joshua Nestor, who just loves all the current Internet based technology, and loves to write about it, too :)
Evolution and Design of an Internet Icon
While some may still concur with the old, familiar adage that "bigger is better," there is something to be said about the simplistic, "less is more" concept of the Google homepage. Compared with its initial inauguration to present time, the homepage continues to maintain a bare minimum display of only 32 words, 19 links and zero ads.
As competitors dwell in a sea of internet homepage frenzy, the Google design remains fairly aloof, yet somehow manages to catch the collective eye of internet surfers around the world! So what makes this infamous search engine's homepage acquire millions of unique visitors per day in the face of such simplicity?
Back in 1999
Evolution
Google morphed from a simple, Stanford University search engine research project in 1996, to its current status of being the largest American company (not part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average) as of October, 2007. With over 16,800 employees, they have won international acclaim from loyal followers for their straightforward design and friendly usability. The company not only has specialized versions designed for the USA and the UK, but for Malaysia and other remote countries, as well.
In 2000, Google began offering keyword advertising with simple text based ads that were designed to maintain an orderly page design and to further capitalize on page loading speed. Since its inception, it has acquired several small, start up companies including Pyra Labs (the creators of Blogger), Double Click and the ever-popular, You Tube. To further improve production and services, the company has entered into partnerships with other businesses and government agencies, including NASA Ames Research Center and Time Warner. For the 2006 fiscal year, the company reported a whopping $10.492 billion in advertising revenue and $112 million in licensing and other revenues.
Now in 2008
Current Google Homepage
Google strategically places user-friendly links in various locations throughout their homepage. If you are looking for a photo of your favorite pop star or actor, you can easily find them here by clicking on the comprehensive Image Link in the top left-hand corner. You may even discover an image of yourself on the web, if you dare to search your own name!
If you need directions, to search cities or find a specific business location, you can do so by clicking on the Maps Link. Here you can learn more about adding your own establishment to Maps and how to use this feature on your personal phone. In addition, if you would like to add Maps to your website, you can conveniently and easily do so when you click this link. The advertising option available in this section makes it an excellent link for merchants to visit to learn more about using Adwords for their web business.
Top news information from around the world can be found by visiting the News Link. By adding your zip code to the search bar, you can search local news that is relevant to your own community. Whether your interests include business, science, health, sports or entertainment, stories that top the charts in these fields can be found by searching in this section.
Are you looking to buy a new computer or perhaps indulge yourself with a new car? Find relevant product searches for all your shopping needs when you click the Shopping Link. This section lists a vast array of recently searched for items that consumers are looking to purchase from the world-wide web. Google also provides detailed information to eager consumers who wish to sell their own merchandise through the shopping network and best of all, this service is free!
You can access your Google Mail account from the homepage as well. If you don't have one, don't worry, the company can set you up with one for free. Gmail is known to have less spam, practical mobile access, and tons of free storage space to make your email experience more enjoyable.
The More section provides users with a practical drop down menu that contains a variety of useful options. Here you can have access to valuable tools that can be utilized in every day life! For example, if you love to watch online videos, you can find the latest and hottest Google and You Tube videos under the Video Link. If you want to learn creative ways to make your life easier, be sure to check out the Calendar and Finance Links, where, with a quick click of your mouse you can be on your way to constructing a more organized version of yourself!
The Groups Link can assist you with making new friends and keeping old ones. You can discover fabulous new Blog Sites related to your favorite topic when you surf this section as well. Scholar and Book Search will assist you with ways to increase your knowledge base and the Photo Sharing Link will bring those who are farthest away from you, a little bit closer. Additionally, you can create and share your work online with Docs and organize all your favorite news and blogs in one place with Reader. Many of these links provide users with a tour and video to help you understand how these benefits can enhance your life and bring a sense of order to it!
In navigating over to the far right side of the page, you will notice the first link, iGoogle. This link provides surfers with an option that most are unaware of. By clicking here, you are able to actually create your very own, customized version of the Google homepage. You can add a distinctive theme or incorporate all of your favorite interests together in one place to produce a totally unique homepage designed just for you.
The Advanced Search option allows you to search for a particular phrase, date, file format or other specific information relevant to your search inquiry. If you don't speak English, don't fret, The Preference Link allows you to choose which language you want to surf in, customize the number of results found on a page and block pages that contain mature subject matter.
By choosing Subscribed Links, you can adapt your search to show distinct results from the web sources of your choice. If you don't have a link in mind, you can search the Subscribed Links directory to find one that interests you.
With the Language Tools link, you can enter a search phrase in your own language and have it translated in the dialect of your choice. Furthermore, the I'm Feeling Lucky Button will take you to the first web page returned for your search query, which according to Google "means less time searching for web pages and more time looking at them."
The Advertising Program and Business Solution Links provide business owners with a variety of enterprising tools to enhance corporate websites and increase their productivity. And finally, About Google will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the corporation but were afraid to ask, including how to access their blogsite, web store or find a job within the company itself.
As advances in internet technology are revolutionizing the way we communicate, it will be interesting to note if the Google homepage will continue to retain its innovative, minimal design or develop into something that mimics their competitors. Until then, Google will most likely remain the top search engine of choice for the savvy internet user of today.
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Hate my hub? Let me know! Vote if you like it, though :)
LOL you are fast. I even did not finalize this one yet with all the bells and whistles :)
I did not see your yet, definitely will take a look.
And I did reply you to your gmail account. Do I need to re-send?
Misha, great hub....I never knew all this stuff about Google till I read this. Thanks
It just shows that often we can't see what's under our noses even when presented in the simplest manner!!!
Great job, Joshua! And fantastic to bring it up her, Misha!
It's amazing how little Google has changed its homepage and interesting to see the real 1999 screenshot. Kind of puts things in perspective.
Fantastic work, Misha! Be sure to let us know when you update it or add something new.
Good info Misha. Many people are not aware of the many options thta Google provides.
I like the pics as well.
Thanks, Guys :)
I will pass your kudos to Joshua...
Perfect
I never thought of being a laptop before...till now that is.
Now on a more serious note. Great hub!!! It's hard to believe that Google had competition at one time. Serious competition too. I think the reason the home page works so well is that it invites you to type something into the search box. There's little else to do there after all.
Thanks, guys :D
Honey, I think I can still improve something :D
LiamBean, it's never late to start a new life as a laptop :P And yep, homepage focus is definitely one of the things that contributed to Google success I think.
Yes Misha good one here and have been missing you. I see you gave Stacie a bad time..loved it though. You know she is my first Granddaughter? don't tell anyone. hee hee haa haa. I just loved Google's valentines display..did you see that? And I do hope they always stay on top I think they are the bestest...seem to be for real people to me. G-Ma :o) hugs
Misha here i am again...How do you get photo's down the page>? At a certain place I see many but am to dumb to know how to do it? You know us older folks are slow. I can always ask stacie G-Ma :o) hugs
Missed you too, G-Ma :)
Thanks for chiming in and commenting :)
And with photos it is pretty easy - you just break the text into several chunks, insert extra photo and text capsules and alterate them.
Misha I didn't even know how Google homepage looked like way back in 1999.Someone in the hub forum wanted to know how you do it?Yes How?I want to ask the question again.Great hub.Why don't you write often? :)
Abhinaya,
This is easy :) There is a site that keeps the periodical snapshots of *all* internet pages. It's here: http://www.archive.org/web/web.php
Thanks.I need to learn more from you.I hope you won't mind my asking questions very often .....it might sound dumb though.I will visit the site.Thanks again.:)
Hi Misha,
good information I am about to try out the DOCS app.
Thanks
Peter
Abhinaya, sure, feel free to ask - and no question is dumb :)
Peter, thanks for stopping by :)
True. 'Less is more when more is too much.'
That old Google page was a delight to see. I hadn't been there then, confining my searches to yahoo and ask jeeves. Now I google like everyone else!
Nice to see a new hub from you, Brother!
Kenny,
I also used yahoo at the time - but now only use it to drive some traffic to hubpages :D
Crazycat,
As a real woman, you speak puzzles. My limited male brain is not able to process it :D You might want to re-phrase.
nice job Misha!
good hub. oh what would i do without google?! probably cry =D
Misha,
I'll have to echo what everyone else is saying, great post. I remember when AltaVista was the search engine of choice by many, Yahoo by others, Dogpile was inviting because it combined them all and Google was just coming on the scene. I remember it took me about a year to warm up to it at the time. It was fun looking at that screen shot of Google in 1999.
Wow... I am always learning something new around here ;-)
I have Google as my homepage and I didn't know about all those links ...
Misha,
So good information, I missed something in Google but it is right here.Will you tell about the other Google capabilities? Yesterday I found GoogleTalk and added to my blog the gadget allowing my subscribers to chat me directly from blog post
I've always used google, but didn't take advantage of all the features, great info!
Excellent hub, Misha. It may even stir me into making better use of Google than I usually do.
It definately has evolved. Google is definately MY homepage.
Thanks, guys :)
I really appreciate you taking time to stop by and even comment on my hub!
Krystle, welcome to Hubz :)
Cheryl, yeah, I was using both AltaVista and Yahoo for quite some time before I finally decided to switch to Yahoo :)
Princessa, Chantel, and Chabrenas - I'm glad i could have been of some service to you :)
Alla, I'll think about it. You might want to check the latest hub from vreccc on Google Scolar :)
Rudra, yeah, it's my homepage, too :)
Wow, Misha #6. I'm impressed. You publishing a hub is a major event. Great hub, though. I love Google.
thank you for your useful information about Google Homepage
Hate your hub?????--I love it!!!!! and it rates a major thumbs up IMHO--what did we do before google? Remember when Webcrawler, Alta Vista, and Yahoo were duking it out in the '90's and then poof--Google was the gold standard. It still is, and getting better all the time. Thanks for reminding me of all the features--and explaining a couple I've never tried, but should.
Nice Review; The clean home page is what makes "Google" #1, however if you make "Google" your home page, it has a little more on it.
No ads (except you tube), and a few useful tools and resource links.
Hoo-rah for Google, they have probably mad more people money on the net than anything.
Fabulous hub. Google is so much more than a search engine. And you've definitely provided the info to get the most out of it. Thanks.
I always use Google and didn't realize there were features I was overlooking. Gave your hub a thumbs up!
Thanks a bunch, guys :)
Peter, yeah, did I tell you I prefer quality to quantity? ;)
Moons, you are welcome
Robie, it looks like a small poem this way :) And yeah, I do remember those old days, too :)
Dhuffman, yes, I think they may be the biggest beast over there :)
Sanssecret, you are welcome :)
VioletSun, thanks! :)
Hey Misha, that was all new for me, because I`m from 2004 on in the net...
Fantastic articl, thank`s
www.Gerhard-Kaiser.com
very well written.. You should check out the book "Google Hacks" you can find it at any bookstore.. it is a comprehensive authorized book on google query formating and more.. getting the most out of the site.. some pretty intense formating tricks for entering a query .. great hub.
Misha,
thank you for all this valuable information
I sure can use it
Great hub Misha, I wonder what Google will like in another 10 years.
Welcome Back Misha, Google is awesome. Simplicity is the best. Compared with Yahoo Search page, this looks simple and to the point. Well done.
Thanks for taking time to look here guys! :)
Gerd, MrM, you are welcome :)
Jerrico, thanks. I think most of this info is kind of useless, and it is available on the net for free anyway :)
Singpec, we'll see if we live long enough :)
Cgull, thanks, but I was here all the time. I don't post often, though :)
Its amag.................for reading. i hope it will encreasible to able a new making world for them.
Thanks
Great hub, I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks, Paul
really great post, thank you for your interesting info :)
GOOD LUCK
Nice hub, Misha. I had Google Homepage, but I have several google accounts, so I found myself having to make a specialized homepage for each of them, and it was too much trouble. Still, I use the basic search homepage.
Nice to see you writing again.
Hi Misha!
Great hub. As an original Yahoo user (I'm giving away my age), it has been hard to tear myself away. Especially since I use their email more than any other, including Gmail. Most of my friends who I have lost touch with have found me through that email. While using my Gmail account, I find the thread sometimes annoying (I know I am in the minority). And I feel like the Ads are an invasion of my privacy.
Having said that, I do love Google. I use the Google homepage specifically for searches and finding images I need for my desktop publishing.
I have a question: You responded to Kenny's comment (referring to Yahoo) by saying that you "now only use it to drive some traffic to hubpages". How do you do that? If you don't mind my asking. Thanks for your time. Excellent hub!
There's more to do than I imagined. I need to go back and use more of the functionality that's available. Thanks for the info.
Great resource. Thanks for the insight.
well researched hub! my own feeling about the google homepage is that; its a good starting point, no distractions.
Excellent hub! I've been using Google for years, and I think they've realized that in many cases, less IS more. All kinds of flash and sparkle would have a better chance of getting in the way than helping with functionality, and when it comes to trying to find information on the web, getting in the way is the last thing they need to do. Again, great job of highlighting their ability...
I'm just getting started with hubpages, so any feedback you might have for my hubs would be great to have. Thanks!
Steve
Misha,
Sometimes I compare your simplicity with Google Home Page. You have just six hubs and most of the hubs have more than 95 scores but hubpages frequently reduces your score as a hubber to as low as 93.While some "extra-ordinary hubbers" who have more than 100 hubs, are
always scored more than 97. This is perhaps for the
reason that Hubpages always expect 3-4 hubs/week from individual hubbers. It means simplicity and quality like traits don't count much for honouring
"extra-ordibary hubbers" here at Hubpages.
Anyways congratulations for beautiful design
and well organized hub having some beautiful
photographs.
Hi misha
great info thanks. I never thought to use google as a great example of less is more. Sometimes we take for granted what is right under our noses.
love your formatting too. I have alot to learn.
Caitriona
Thank you everybody, I appreciate you looking at my hub and letting me know what you think about it :)
Rusty, for some reason yahoo works better for my hubs than google. Probably they give a bit more weight to hubpages. As for how to do this - it's a topic way bigger than a hub comment :) Try to start here: http://www.seofaststart.com/
Sgmunson, yes, I agree absolutely :)
Prem, thanks for your compliments :)
Catriona, we all have, don't worry :)
You have waken my eyes on what i didn't take to heart on Google Homepage. I've read your hub over and again. Thank you also for the "seofaststart.com". I'm learning pretty good here. More grease to your elbow.
Google for me is functional and I've stuck with it for a while now, I find msn and aol really too busy for my liking, Google also just allows you to get on with what you set out to do. This is because there are no distractiions.
Thanks Misha, this is a great hub.
Hi Misha, I have learned so much from your hub. I have just made google my home page now. It is indeed true that everyday we learn a new thing. Thanx to people like you
I don't care what people suspect of Google.... I love 'em!
Misha,
Great article! You nailed it.
Do you need a photographer? I have a very good camera...lol.
I really like the igoogle. I don't know how new it is (new to my desktop). Great application for the Google surfer.
Cheers!
Great stuff :)
I am definitely knows and use mostly google applications. Such a great stuff! Yeah For now I'm a big fan of Google. Gmail is awesome (for me though)! I even tried CRAZY thing on how to make money with these free google application.
I will soon write about this (My hub) -- Soon!
Or should I make e-book and sell it?
Hey, Great infos!
:)
Hi Misha, I have learned so much from your hub. I have just made google my home page now. It is indeed true that everyday we learn a new thing. Thanx to people like you
hmMp.... nice work
Hey great hub, the pretty women next to their computers sure does help the guys to keep on reading ;) nice touch!
Great informative hub and it's giving me flashbacks ;-)
misha, your hub is great. Its a news about igoogle.
www.fitnessnectar.com
Spammer Alert!!!! Hi Misha!!
Hi honey :) I was missing you...
Google is the best searching engine i have ever seen in my entire life. Infact is it always my preference whenever it comes to searching.
i want to know how can i use the google
Misha, I could care less about google but your pictures drew me in. If you like search engines with women..try http://www.msdewey.com/
Thanks for reminding me about the roots of Google - it was the clean web design that got them noticed - not good search results in the beginning.
Not too sure about the green colour they were using in '99 tho...
I like the new design, where the background changes from light to dark and you can pick from different scenes and stuff plus being able to add the things you want and not all the junk you don't want.
great hub!
it is perfectly the best home page from all
it rocks
Hi, I didn't know Gmail is Google Mail. Great hub.
Is Apple going to be redesigning Google's site (possibly just iGoogle)? There are rumors swirling that this is about to happen
I love the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button. I really should use that more often!
Thank you for these tips, Misha.
I have never used the im feeling lukcy button...i just give it a whirl.
Mish, I like your Google hub very much!
Misha I can see that you have put some work in this article I for one love iGoogle I use it every day, such a powerful company yet so easy to use, good job.
Nice hub! Wow, that's what Google looked like back in the day? lol!
I think we all use Google so often that we take the beautiful simplicity of the design for granted. Thanks for the detail!
I remember back then.. I use to "dislike" Google because of it's too simple and emply searchbar/webpage.. today, this is one of the factor why they are the fastest search engine...Simplicity.. and look at it now.. lol Compared to yahoo msn and the other big names.. this page is totally empty..yet the most appreciated and effective search engine
Misha I like what I see. I think you choose your hotti-er I mean images well. I am impressed with your ablity to make clean consise hubs considering how new you are here. As for Google, its' amazing to see the the backyard project become the standard. But then again, apple was rags to riches. Most things big began small, it just hard to imagine the acorn staring out the 10 story tree. Great info here, and awesome research. I'm a fan.
What can i say except great hub and as always Google rocks;)
Great hub, Misha. I always wondered what all those things meant, thx for this.
You're so funny with all of your pics being of pretty women ;) And actually, I found this to be an interesting perspective and very informative! Thanks for the quality hub.
Misha. You have very interesting view for presenting this story to visitors as overview of one of the bigest technology gigant of all times - Google, motivated it with pleasant pictures of young woman working on laptop :).
About, Google and their web design, I prefer simple and useful design, and I love too check all pages with similar style, love to say google style :).
I like the iGoogle version of the homepage. The only gadgets I put on it are RSS feeds from the half-dozen forums & sites I use most often. So it turns the homepage into a self-updating launchpad to all the places I want to visit.
a hochu ustanovit google homepage.
I love it alot!!!!!!!!
you so fine
Thanks everybody for taking time to read and comment :)
great hub
I had no idea so much could be said about such a plain webpage.
Google have been evolved and get stronger continuously...
It's still a long way to go for Big G.
Wilson.
IS GOOGLE OR/AND HUB HOME PAGE FREE?????
Both are :)
Thanks for reminding the Home of the billions, how is that you always come with a bang?
I think someone should make a new search engine called "Poodle". Catchy, querky and sounds like Google but better!
LOL Why don't you give it a try then? ;)
What is the image behind the GOOGLE logo today?
Not sure. May be an answer is here? http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?
http://www.google.com/help/ig/art/index.html#name=
ice rocket got a nice website, but it sucks compared to big daddy yo google
fantastic hub Misha!
Even they have the most simple homepage but they have the best results!
There's alot of MORE in this content. And much I didn't know- that's the point I guess LOL! Nice work Misha
wow,
really best pages
shalani from
www.girlsmatter.page.tl
i like the art
Moh. Koliyan, Narnaul Distt. Mohindergarh (Haryana)
Great Idea fo a hub. Really clever. Great execution as well. Congratulations.
Very interesting and informative - A+
working
vreccc says:
3 months ago
Misha,
We finally see a new hub from you. It has been awhile. Nice work! I put up a new one today on how to do keyword research. I'm entering it in the S....S contest.
I also sent you a message through hubpages. Did you get it?
Jonathan