Everything You Need to Know About the Google Search Engine

Google — Search Engine

There’s no secret that behind the name Google stands not only the world’s most popular search engine but also a tech company of global scale. The story of Google’s creation could easily serve as a textbook example of the American Dream come true. A mix of serendipity and big ideas brought two students — Sergey Brin and Larry Page — from a college project to billionaires in record time.

Today, nearly everyone knows what Google is. For some, it’s a symbol of success and classic startup ambition. For others, it’s the trusted go-to tool for searching anything online. American Butler is here to help you understand how Google works, what it really offers — and how one simple idea to “organize the world’s information” ended up transforming both virtual space and real life.

Why Is It Called Google?

Sergey Brin, co-founder of the company and one of the minds behind the system, once described the phenomenon in an interview with Search Engine Watch: “Some say Google is God. Others say it's the Devil.” We could add a third category — for whom Google and the Internet are basically synonyms, and the platform itself has long transcended American life.

Even linguists — typically known for their conservatism — had to give in: the word “to google” is now officially part of the Oxford English Dictionary. But at American Butler, we believe the story behind Google’s name is more than a tale of innovation — it’s a cultural turning point.

Inventing the Future: The Story of Google’s Rise

The official history of Google Inc. begins on September 2, 1998 — the date the company was registered in California. But in reality, it was preceded by three intense years of work by its founders and visionaries — Sergey Brin and Larry Page. The two met in 1995 at Stanford University.

Brin, the son of Soviet Jewish immigrants, was already pursuing a Ph.D., while Page, a Michigan-born engineer, was just starting his academic journey. Both were frustrated by the inefficiency of existing search engines and shared a bold dream — as Larry once put it, to “download the entire internet onto my computer.”

They first launched a research project called BackRub — a prototype search engine that Brin and Page worked on intensively starting in 1996. Two years of effort led to the birth of Google, which officially began operating in 1998. From the start, Brin and Page proved to be exceptional visionaries and managers, embracing a transparent corporate model built around the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).

In 2015, Google Inc. underwent a major restructuring. A new holding company, Alphabet Inc., was formed to serve as the parent organization. By February 2016, Alphabet had even surpassed Apple in market capitalization, marking a significant moment in tech industry history.

What Google Can Do

Originally designed as a search tool, Google has grown into something far greater — a true engine of progress. According to Wikipedia, 77% of Google users are non-native English speakers.

But Google doesn’t shy away from linguistic challenges. It supports over 100 active languages — including some dead ones, like Latin. You can even search in Esperanto or surprise fellow sci-fi fans: Google Translate includes the fictional Klingon language from Star Trek.

Of course, Google Translate and powerful search algorithms aren’t the only reasons behind the platform’s popularity. Users around the world rely daily on Google’s top services:

• Google Account — a universal login to access all Google services;
• Gmail — considered one of the most secure email platforms globally;
• Chrome — a fast and intuitive web browser;
• Google Images — lets you search for photos and see where else they appear online;
• Google Suggest — offers predictive search suggestions as you type;
• Google Maps — one of the most accurate and comprehensive navigation tools available;
• Bookmarks — lets you save links and access them from any device;
• Google Drive — secure cloud storage for files, documents, and more;
• YouTube — the world’s leading video platform, also owned by Google.

These are just the essentials. Google also offers countless other features and hundreds of supporting apps and integrations. For example, companies like American Butler — along with millions of businesses worldwide — especially value the Google My Business tool, which allows them to create and manage their company profiles online with ease.

Interesting Facts About Google

1. 01. In the mid-1990s, Larry Page and Sergey Brin had little experience with HTML — so the Google homepage turned out simple and plain. Today, that minimalism is part of its identity.
2. 02. Early versions of the search engine processed about 50 web pages per second. Today’s systems handle millions.
3. 03. The Google homepage features only 28 words — all in the name of speed and simplicity.
4. 04. Google processes over 100,000 search queries every second.
5. 05. While most of the internet obsesses over cats, Google proudly calls itself a “dog company.” Yes, it’s even written into their official Code of Conduct.
6. 06. The company has some quirky traditions. For example, new employees spend their first week wearing colorful propeller hats.
7. 07. Google employees are known as “Googlers.” New hires? They’re affectionately called “Nooglers” — a mashup of “newbie” and “Googler.”
8. 08. The Google logo often changes into special themed versions called “doodles,” celebrating holidays, historic events, and famous figures.
9. 09. Google is actively involved in wildlife conservation in Africa. Not just in words — but with real funding. One of its recent donations, 5 million dollars, supported drones to track poachers.
10. 10. When Google went public in 2004, it maintained founder control through a unique dual-share structure — keeping decision-making power in the hands of Page and Brin.

Criticism and Ethics: Is Everything Really That Smooth?

Despite offering undeniably useful services, Google has faced its share of criticism. The most common concerns include data collection, influence over public opinion, market dominance, and censorship. The company has been accused of using “black box algorithms” that create “information bubbles” — filtering content so users only see what reinforces their existing beliefs.

In response, Google introduced features like “Your Data in Search”, clearer privacy settings, and updated content moderation policies. Still, the global conversation about the limits of digital power continues.

So Why Is Google Still So Important?

Because it’s become inseparable from modern life. Google helps us find information, navigate unfamiliar cities, work remotely, study, stream entertainment, manage finances — even locate nearby doctors. It’s more than a tool — it’s a digital habit.

No matter how many new platforms or technologies emerge, Google remains the invisible layer beneath most of our online experiences — the quiet engine powering how we live, learn, and connect.