Which Start-Page is Right For You?
posted by: Vlad AkilovIf you are new to the internet you may not be aware of what startup pages are all about. You probably hit the internet button on your desktop, and then start surfing. But for people who want more out of their internet experience, using a great startup page is the way to go. But before you can do this, you need to make a decision on which one is best for you. The fact of the matter is that there are many startup pages to choose from, but not all of them will give you what you want.
The first step to choosing a quality startup page is to learn which ones are available. Once you know what you have to choose from, you can then move forward with the actual selection process. But sometimes, just knowing about startup pages is not good enough. And with that in mind, you will want to use the roundup below to help you find what is best for your internet surfing needs.
My Yahoo: 8/10
My Yahoo is one of the largest start pages on the internet. If you are interested in mainstream information, and are not ready to branch out into something unknown, My Yahoo is a great option. There are two nice things about My Yahoo. First off, it offers a wide range of customizable features. Among them is the ability to set up a free email account. This alone is reason enough for newbies to decide on My Yahoo.
iGoogle: 8/10
Where there is Yahoo there is Google. And when it comes to start pages, this means iGoogle. Just like Yahoo, the service by Google offers plenty of features that are sure to keep you busy. And of course, a free email service, Gmail, is also available. The main benefit to iGoogle is the ease of use. But at the same time, it does not do much to set itself apart from the Yahoo crowd. For this reason, they end up in a tie.
Windows Live: 9/10
Believe it or not, many feel that Windows Live is the best start page available. Although this is more or less personal preference, you definitely need to consider what they have to offer. They offer an excellent startup page that is easy to customize and personalize. When you add in the ability to get a free email account, it is easy to see why Windows Live has become so popular.
Netvibes: 7/10
Netvibes may not be as popular as some other start pages, but this does not mean that they have nothing to offer. In fact, when it comes to the newest updates and additions, Netvibes is always at the forefront of the industry. The startup page if organized into tabs and allows for access to an RSS feed reader, weather updates, email providers such as Gmail and Yahoo, and much more. Additionally, users can choose from existing themes, or make their own. The only reason that Netvibes does not get a higher rating is the fact that it is not as well known or developed as the big three listed above.
Pageflakes: 7/10
Pageflakes was released to the public as a startup page in late 2005. Since then, thousands of people have come to notice the benefits that this startup page has to offer. Similar to Netvibes, Pageflakes is organized into tabs based on user selection customization. Tab modules are known as Flakes, and have the ability to contain information such as local weather, RSS feed reader, notes, calendar, web search, bookmarks, and much more. The main issue holding Pageflakes back is its relatively basic technology and development. But with a young age, it is safe to say that there is time for this startup page to catch up to the pack.
These are five of the most popular start pages that you will come across. Although it is up to you to decide which one is best, until you look at each startup page you will not know what to decide on.
It is hard to rate startup pages because every user is looking for something different. So even though it can be beneficial to read reviews and ratings, until you try out each option you will never know for sure what is available!
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June 12th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Hi Vlad:
I came across your blog today and enjoyed reading this article. The comparison of startpages is great and provides us with great feedback.
I have added your RSS feed to the gallery on our website. If you would like to view it, here is the link: http://www.pageflakes.com/Community/Content/Feeds.aspx?moduleKey=339496. Now, all Pageflakes users can add your RSS feed to their personal page and read your articles.
I would be thrilled if you would add a Pageflakes RSS feed button to your page, allowing users a shortcut to add your blog feed to their Pageflakes page. I have provided a link to our RSS button setup: http://www.pageflakes.com/Pages/webmaster.aspx. If you were to add us, that would be great.
I appreciate your support! Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.
Cheers!
June 12th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Stephanie, Thanks for the add to pageflakes, and I would be sure to add the RSS link for the pageflakers out there.
June 15th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Hi Vlad,
nice review of the start pages out there. I wished you had given my favorite page a better mark… maybe one day
Check out my Pagecast if you want: http://www.pageflakes.com/smrice/11035081
Nora
June 27th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
I haven’t even herd of pageflaks or Netvibes. I will be giving them both a try because I’m always looking for differnt webapps to try. I currently use iGoogle, but, like I said, I’ll give anything a try for a while.
July 11th, 2007 at 1:44 am
Howdy;
maybee you know it, but i can distribute 5 (right now 2 left ) invitations for http://www.bubbletop.com - this is a kind of “starting PAGE too.
If you would be interesting, send me a mail
Salut and greetings from germany
August 19th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
I vote for iGoogle! love it!!
March 6th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Check this out : http://www.oonania.com/webapps/start_page.html -
You’ve got a start page website’s list. Webwag is definitely my choice.