startPage

startPage is a term with multiple meanings in computing. Most commonly, a start page (also called a homepage) is the first page a web browser loads on startup or when a new window or tab is opened. Users often set a start page to a portal, news site, or personal page to streamline access to frequently used resources. The choice of start page can influence browser performance, privacy exposure, and workflow, and many browsers allow per-window or per-profile customization.

In software design, a start page can refer to the initial screen of an application, presenting an overview, onboarding tutorials, or quick links to core features. The layout and content of a start page are usually tailored to guide new users and provide a point of entry to the program.

StartPage (often written StartPage) is a privacy-focused internet search engine and portal. It originated from the Ixquick project and emphasizes user privacy by limiting the collection of personal data. It claims not to log IP addresses or search queries, and it offers encrypted connections (HTTPS) plus tools to minimize data leakage. To deliver search results, StartPage has used privacy-preserving proxies to fetch Google results, so Google sees only the query and not the user identity. The service presents results through its own interface and includes privacy features such as optional anonymous viewing and privacy-oriented settings. Critics note that relying on Google’s indexing means some privacy benefits depend on the implementation and usage.