We've all been there at some point, staring at a blank screen on a system that fails to boot, or one where hardware options are limited. One dependable ally in those situations is Linux. While some people expect advanced, cutting-edge features from their OS, the real power of Linux lies within its utility. No matter what your daily driver is, having such a capable tool at your disposal is of enormous help.

Google offers some very convenient and highly advanced software—there's no doubt about that—but it comes at the cost of pervasive user tracking. Not everyone is comfortable with that, and some of those who have yet to ditch Google surely have a nagging sense of unease, knowing their private lives are logged, monitored, tracked, and profiled. You can do something about it, and learning about great alternatives is a start.

Are you looking for a private, alternative search engine? Google is king, but its rivals are quickly catching up. With the recent general shift toward privacy awareness, perhaps one of them is right for you.