Linux Mint 12 introduces a new default search engine called DuckDuckGo, which is touted for not tracking or recording user information. For those who prefer Google or another search engine, however, the Mint project says it now offers an easier way to install them. In addition, the project has launched a new business model in which search engine companies share with Linux Mint the revenue generated for them by the distribution. In a Nov 26 blog announcement, Linux Mint Founder Clement Lefebvre announced the first such partnership with DuckDuckGo. The Mint project says DuckDuckGo is "built on and contributes to Open Source," although "much of DuckDuckGo is closed." As detailed in this Muktware review of DuckDuckGo, the search engine is not open source at the core, and in fact relies on Microsoft Bing for its back end. DuckDuckGo's search results regarding open source projects are typically Bing-like, writes reviewer Neil Richards. In other words they are tinged with Microsoft bias. A search for "open source office suite," for example, buries the leading LibreOffice suite at the very bottom. Similarly a search for "open source web browser" shunts Mozilla and Chrome to the second page, reports Richards. Hilariously, neither Linux or GNU were found on the first page results for a search for "open source operating systems." Beyond such Ballmer red flag terms, Bing works pretty well, and there are indeed some advantages to Bing's far less filtered searches. However, Richards also points out that many users prefer Google's personalized search results, and notes that one can always delete history and cookies to maintain privacy."
Just searched for "open source operating systems".
In the first page I found:
"Linux vs Windows Comparision(sic): Why Windows Is Better Than Linux"
"The Various Disadvantages of The Open Source Operating Systems"
C'mon Guest, signing a partnership is not equal to bragging. In many cases, these results prevent stupid users to try Linux, and yeah, stupid users shouldn't try Linux. So I like DDG.
As I warned previously... now another site is attacking ddg. Some might say any press is good press and while I agree it is to an extent. It's always best to reply to these sites and to give your side of the argument.
Are DuckDuckGo's Bing Ties a Problem for Linux Mint?