Whenever you launch your internet browser and come across the message “Search Google or type a URL,” it is, in fact, giving you two means to arrive at a website. Although this is the case for most of the people, these two methods are not at all the same. The first one is the one that assists you to lookup when you are not very sure of the destination, and the second one is the one that directs you immediately to the particular site if you have the link already. Despite the fact that it looks like a minor option, it can actually impact the speed with which you find your requirement, the safety of your browsing, and the smoothness of loading.
Some people prefer to search as it presents more results and suggestions, while others resort to typing the URL as it is clean and straightforward. Herein, we are going to cover everything as clearly as possible so that you can tell for sure when to search and when to type. You will be able to tell which option is better for different scenarios by the end of the session.
What “Search Google or Type a URL” Really Means
The browser message on the top basically says that the bar is capable of carrying out two functions. If you input words or questions, it searches in Google for the answers. If you input a complete website’s link, it directly connects you to that site without searching anything. The latest browsers work with one single bar to combine a search box and an address bar, so you no longer have to pick one from the other.
The browser itself decides what you want to do. It treats it as a search, if it looks like a question or a random phrase. It takes you there instantly, if it looks like a website. It’s all about convenience and minimizing your steps.
When It’s Better to Search on Google
Using the Google search engine is a sure-fire way to locate a particular information item or when you don’t remember the exact name of a certain site. The search engine will allow you to find everything that you require very quickly if you can merely remember a part of a brand name or if you want to go through different results. Google will show you different pages, related content, trending answers, and also provide you with helpful suggestions immediately after you hit the enter key.
This searching method is particularly useful when you are trying to make a decision or when you want to know what other available options are apart from the first site that popped up in your mind. Insecure website situations, you might be uncertain about the site’s legitimacy, whether it has been updated, or what the correct spelling is; you can still use the search option. All in all, if you are looking for a variety of choices or you are not sure where to go next, then searching is the best option since it gives you choices.
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When It’s Better to Type a URL Directly
If you know precisely which website you want to go to, the most suitable method is to type the URL directly. It directs you straight to the site without displaying other results or links. This is a time-saver since the entire search process is eliminated. It is an ideal method for such frequently visited sites as email, banking, school portals, or work dashboards. Besides that, another significant benefit is security.
Typing the official link eliminates the risk of mistakenly clicking the wrong site or being redirected to a site that only bears a slight resemblance. When you input the exact URL, your browser directs you to the specific location thereby making your browsing more precise and safe. In case you are after speed and certainty, typing the URL is by all means the better option.
Which One Feels Faster?
In terms of pure speed, entering a URL is the quickest since it displays the site right away. There is no delay in waiting for Google to present the options or the rankings. Yet, the process of searching can also be perceived as quick since Google starts offering suggestions virtually immediately. One does not have to complete a whole sentence before the options start appearing.
Consequently, although searching incorporates one tiny additional step, it does not come across as slow. If one is absolutely aware of the destination, then typing a URL is the clear choice. Whereas, when one is not certain of the complete address or is searching for various resources, then, in a way, searching can be regarded as faster because it does the guiding.
Which One Is More Accurate?
When you know the precise address, entering a URL is more precise since it leads you to the exact site without any misunderstandings. On the contrary, searching may sometimes result in ads, similar names, or unrelated results getting displayed at the top. Thus, if you’re not careful, you might end up clicking the wrong link.
However, if you don’t know the spelling or are not very sure about the actual website then searching is the best way out. Google is there to help you by correcting your errors and making suggestions about what you might actually mean. So the accuracy really depends on your knowledge. If you have the exact link, others type it. If you’re uncertain or could possibly misspell it, then search it.
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Is One Option Safer Than the Other?
Connection security can be ensured in two distinct ways and they are all equally safe if executed cautiously. The safest option is to type the URL directly since it guarantees that no false or misleading pages will be opened. Therefore, even if a phishing site is displayed on Google and it seems quite real, it won’t matter as the user has the correct URL and is typing it in.
Alternatively, the user may not be fully confident about the site’s security and spelling so he opts to search for its name instead. In case of a hazardous or insecure site, Google will issue a cautionary note. Moreover, it will prevent you from accessing certain dangerous sites even prior to your clicking. Thus, the safest option is dependent on how certain you are about the link. If you are sure of the exact URL, just enter it. Otherwise, searching will provide you with useful filters and alerts.
How Autocomplete Affects Your Choice
Autocomplete feature is a real time saver in the context of both searching and typing, as the browser predicts what you will be typing and thus, steps in with its help even before you finish the word. If a certain website is your favorite, it will automatically be suggested while you are typing its name with just a few letters.
This is a great aid as it considerably reduces the time taken to type the URLs. However, autocomplete is of great help during search as well, as Google provides suggestions for common themes, answers, and pages. Occasionally, you can get what you want even faster than by typing the complete query. All in all, the feature of autocomplete is indeed a plus for both options, but the search gets the lion’s share since it provides support even when the user does not know what he/she is looking for.
Is There a Clear Winner Overall?
No single option is the best for each person, but there are many. The various techniques have different aims and thus the one that suits your purpose best has to be picked. If you want to get to the site immediately to load the page rapidly and reach the site precisely, then typing the URL can be the best option. Conversely, if you are in the mood to explore, to compare or to understand better, then searching on Google is the best way to go.
The browser makers have intentionally put the two choices in one bar because there is no universal remedy. The most sensible thing to do is to rotate them according to the situation. Think of searching as asking for directions and typing a URL as going straight to a place you already know. Both are useful in different ways.
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Conclusion
When it comes to using Google search and entering a URL manually, it is mainly a matter of personal preference and the current situation. If you are completely sure about the URL of the desired site, then just typing it out would be the quickest and the simplest way to access that site. You would directly reach the page without any extra stuff shown. In contrast, if you are searching, viewing different alternatives, or you only have a vague idea of the link, then search will be your best choice.
The most modern web browsers have merged the two techniques into one URL bar, thus allowing the users to swap between them without even realizing it. Don’t limit yourself to one technique only, rather go for the one that takes you to your destination lurkingly. Each method has its pros and cons in different situations, and what is more, learning how to maneuver them will make your web surfing experience more fun and less irritating.
