Google vs. Bing Essay
Although on the surface the Google portal website and Microsoft Bing portal web site may look the same, when one looks deeper into the matter one website stacks up much higher than the other. When one adds up all the details included in the package, like design, programs, applications, and number of visitors to the website, a determination can be made as to which website is more user-friendly. The utilities discussed in this paper include: how the search engine generates its responses, and how the design persuades the user to stay within a specific search engine.Google’s main portal is organized in a way that allows its users to easily find what they need in a timely manner.
When one opens the Google homepage, he will find a toolbar which includes basic functions that are used on a daily bases. These functions include: search, email, maps, youtube, and various other utilities. While both Google and Bing provide similar features, Google’s main portal is better organized, more efficient, and easier to use.
One will have no difficulty finding what he is looking for with a single click. On the other hand, Bing provides most of the functions found in Google, however the portal is more computer oriented.While the homepage may appear to be similar to Google’s, in actuality it is much more complicated to use. When one selects a function, he is led to another website; this selection is based on menus and gives the impression that one is in the middle of an application. Things are not as intuitive, and menu items are hidden. Bing leaves their users feeling confused and lost.
Functionality of keywords is the second aspect elaborated upon in this paper. When one uses the Google search engine, results immediately appear as each word is typed in before one even presses search.The keywords are matched against thousands of websites and results are based on the measure of importance assigned to the web pages and the content that relates to the keywords. An important role in Google’s search engine is played by Wikipedia since it is the most commonly used database for general information. However, Wikipedia is not the best source of information because there is no proof of fact. It is reviewed from time to time, but this still allows people to contribute false information. Bing is more shopping oriented, that is to say it is more focused on turning its users into consumers.
When using Bing’s search engine the first sources provided are geared toward shopping. Moreover, the search does not begin until one has completed typing in the keywords or phrases and then clicks search. When one enters a single word into Bing’s search engine a variety of choices will appear on the screen. However, if more than one word is entered the search will be limited to the exact words entered; whereas, Google attracts more visitors by producing more choices with the use of a single word or multiple words. Lastly, I will explain the usability of the website.The simpler the website the more people it will attract. In addition, a googolplex is a large number, and therefore, the name Google was chosen to represent what they offer their users: a vast resource of information.
Also, the less congested the homepage of the website is, the more pleasing it is to the user. In Google the different tools are clearly displayed on the screen in a friendlier manner. The background color and images used are kept simple so as not to be a distraction to the user. Bing looks more like a business website with structured menus and nested options. It is not as accessible to the average user.Bing’s prior name, “Live Search” was indicative of its functions, but did not attract users. Although the name Bing attracts users, it does not explain its functionality.
While both Google and Bing appear to be comparable websites, in reality there are many differences. Google attempts to attract the general public regardless of age, while Bing, is designed to be more corporate oriented. A person can only benefit from a search engine if he knows how to navigate his way through it.
Therefore, albeit Bing provides a useful service, Google provides a more attractive, welcoming, and user friendly website. Go Google!
