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May 3, 2005 / Filed under: Browsers, Usability

I like using Firefox over Safari because of keyword bookmarks, which allow you type a custom word (or words) in the address bar, which then immediately re–directs you to the appropriate URL.

Many people think "keyword bookmarks" are pointless, since you still have to type it in, rather than just "clicking on it," in your bookmarks toolbar (or something similar).

However, I like using the keyboard over the mouse – and, in most situations, my hands will be at the keyboard, so it is much more convenient (in Firefox) to just hit F6 (which puts the focus in the address bar), and then begin typing my keyword.

Domain Name Servers

Also, I find "keyword bookmarks" to be an excellent usability feature.

When I think of a web page I want to visit, it is easy for me to associate a keyword with that web page. And when I want to visit that page later, all I have to do is recall the keyword.

But, wait... Isn’t the whole purpose of the domian name meant to be easily remembered? After all, without DNS, we’d be directing people to our corporate site, with the address of: 33.65.122.12. How easy to remember is that!?

Not very.

So, companies and web developers choose domain names that are easy to remember, or that reflect the actual company name or slogan (such as CNN.com, or whatyoucrave.com).

Similarities?

So, is there similarities between the actual domain names, and my keywords?

Probably some. But in most cases, my keyword is much easier to remember than the actual domain name.

Consider some examples:

Example 1: Credit card account access

Web site:

Citi credit cards online account access.

Domain name:

accountonline.com

Easy to remember?

Sure, but it’s too generic. It doesn’t apply to a specific credit card.

My keyword:

citi

Easy to remember?

Very. It is short, and it applies to my exact credit card.

Example 2: Powerbook account access

Web site:

MBNA online account access, for Apple Powerbook monthly payments.

Domain name:

mbnanetaccess.com

Easy to remember?

Hardly. Who remembers what the bank name is? I don’t remember details like that.

My keyword:

powerbook

Easy to remember?

Can’t be any easier. It relates to my specific purpose for visiting the site – to schedule a payment for the Powerbook.

As you can see, my keywords are relevant to me, which is what’s important.

Safari for Tiger

I have yet to purchase Apple’s latest OS, Tiger, so I haven’t had the opportunity to try the latest version of Safari.

Perhaps there is keyword browsing included? Hey hey, it might actually make me upgrade, then. Who knows...