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I started using Google back in 1999, it was a big change from the regular Yahoo! page which offered (and still does) hundreds of links to news, sports, entertainment and other cool stuff. The problem is that if you are testing a connection or your browser is having problems, it is much easier to load the Google page than the Yahoo! or MSN page. Less processing means less time loading and waiting, even if you have broadband connection.
One of the good things about Google’s design is its simplicity which has not changed much since it started.

Reasons to use Google as a homepage

• No annoying ads or pop-ups offering you a lower interest rate or a chance to find your classmates.
• Not having to wait for some special effect to load (like a Flash animation, which will also end up being some kind of ad or announcement.
• It’s a good starting point considering that Google is the leading search engine in the world.
• Less clutter. Really, who needs all the extra stuff?
• If you start to like Google they offer an option where you can customize specific content and create your own Google homepage.
• It offers page translation and geographical maps among other useful tools.

Reasons NOT to use Google as a homepage

• They use your searches for market studies on search behavior (most companies do)
• They track your results and record which one you click on

For a list of Google products:

http://www.google.com/intl/en/options/