Linux Mint 12 goes DuckDuck. Go back to Google.

Linux Mint Developers decided to remove Google as default search engine, in Firefox, the default internet browser. Instead they have DuckDuckGo as the default option. This has happened because Google does not share any revenue that Linux Mint users generate for the company. I do understand the move, but as a regular Linux Mint supporter, I feel OK to want more choices.

Normally in Firefox you would just press Manage Search Engines…

And than go to Get more search engines…

And you would see a Mozilla addon website:

But in stead you see Linux Mint Website with explanations:

But fear not, you can still add your browsers. Just click on the tiny Google icon (as shown above) and when you are on this website, go to the search bar. You will see Add “Google”. Just click it, and you are ready to search.

Drag and Drop Google to the top to be able to use it as default search engine in address bar too. You can add all the others exactly the same way. When you are done, you will see a pretty big list:

You can add other search engines, for example world’s most private serach engine (powered by google) the Startpage. I very much recommend it. After a week or so, you will not even notice the differece. And if you do not like the new Google design, it is a bonus.

But if you do change the engine, consider buying the Linux Mint developers a coffee. They certainly deserve it.