Google vs Yahoo: Mozilla Firefox Browser to Change Default Search Engine
Mozilla Firefox is looking to replace Google with Yahoo! as its default search engine after Mozilla had released Firefox 34 this week. Among other changes incorporated with Firefox 34 is an improved search bar, Firefox Hello real-time communication client, easier switching of personas or themes, and Wikipedia search using HTTPS.
It matters for Mozilla to be switching from Google to Yahoo! considering that it's funding comes from its search deals. Having to use its browser competitor's search engine is not exactly good for the browser company, so a move to using Yahoo makes a lot of sense.
However, for most Firefox users, having to be asked whether or not they would want to make the switch to Yahoo! might not sound as good of a deal. What's more, the changes will affect those who haven't touched the default settings of the browser. Seeing as how Google is the default search engine, a switch is inevitable, unless users do something about it.
In order to prevent the default from switching, users can install a Firefox add-on called "Google Default," which was created by Mozilla for Linux Mint users who experienced the switch back in 2012.
Once the add-on is installed, a Google icon can be found on Firefox's search box. Clicking the box will bring a drop down menu and users can choose Google Default from there. While Google is still your default search engine, the default settings have been changed, meaning the switch over to Yahoo won't happen.
The switch over from Google might also be a good opportunity for users to try on other notable search engines like DuckDuckGo, or Bing. Incidentally, the Yahoo search engine is being run by the Bing search engine anyway so some users might want to consider making Bing the default search engine anyway.
