updates monthly:
Google in 1998 gave users a chance to see how Google first appeared. Created in 2013 to mark Google’s 15th anniversary, this feature allows anyone to experience the simple interface used when the search engine was first launched by Larry Page and Sergey Brin at Stanford University.
Activating Google in 1998
To try the Google in 1998 interface, type “Google in 1998” in the search bar. The results page transforms to show the original 1998 design.
This includes the classic Google logo with an exclamation mark, links for “Stanford Search” and “Linux Search,” and the 1998 copyright notice.
| Feature | Description |
| Logo | Original Google with an exclamation mark |
| Search Options | Stanford Search, Linux Search |
| Layout | Basic HTML typical of 1998 |
| Updates | Monthly Google updates link |
How the 1998 Interface Looked?
The interface was minimal. It had a plain layout, simple text links, and no flashy graphics. Users could see search results in a basic format.
The design focused on speed and usability, which was important because most people used slow internet connections at the time.
Enhanced Historical Versions
Some recreations of Google in 1998 simulate the full homepage experience. These often appear inside a browser frame resembling Internet Explorer 4.0. Pixelated fonts and the old layout give a realistic feel of late 1990s web browsing.
Using the 1998 Experience
Steps to explore Google in 1998 include:
- Visiting sites offering 1998 Google simulations.
- Interacting with the homepage elements like search boxes and search links.
- Trying searches to see results in the 1998 style.
- Comparing the old layout with today’s modern Google.
Why It Matters?
Google in 1998 shows how much web design has changed. Early Google prioritized function over visuals. Today’s search engine offers personalized results, multimedia content, and advanced tools.
It also serves as a digital history lesson. Users can understand the evolution of web design, early search engines, and the first Google Doodle, which celebrated the Burning Man festival in 1998.
Conclusion
Google in 1998 captured the simplicity of its first design. It demonstrates the company’s shift from a research project at Stanford to a global tech leader. For learners and tech enthusiasts, it is both nostalgic and educational.