11 Homepages Everyone Set at Least Once
These choices shaped the way we surfed the web, and looking back, they say a lot about what online life used to be like.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
The early internet was all about picking the perfect homepage, and everyone had their favorite go-to. Some picked search engines, others went for flashy portals, and a few just wanted something that loaded fast. Here are the most popular homepages everyone set at least once.
1. Google Search
Google on Wikimedia Commons
The classic pick for anyone who wanted speed and simplicity. Setting Google as your homepage meant instant access to answers, long before we relied on phones for quick searches. It was the no-nonsense choice that just worked.
2. Yahoo! Portal
Yahoo! Search on Wikimedia Commons
Yahoo’s homepage was once packed with news, horoscopes, weather, and email access all in one place. It felt like the internet’s version of a daily newspaper. Many people kept it as their homepage because it gave them everything at a glance.
3. MSN.com
MSN on Wikimedia Commons
If you used Internet Explorer, chances are MSN was your default homepage. It was filled with headlines, lifestyle articles, and links to Hotmail. For many, it was the starting line of their online routine.
4. AOL.com
AOL on Wikimedia Commons
AOL was the full internet package for many households. Its homepage had chat rooms, mail, and breaking news. It was more than a homepage; it was the internet hub for millions.
5. Netscape Navigator Start Page
Netscape Communications Corp. (original icon). Gabriel dos Santos (SVG version). on Wikimedia Commons
Before Google and Yahoo took over, Netscape had its own start page that many users relied on. It gave quick access to bookmarks, email, and early web directories. It was the homepage of choice for the first wave of casual internet users.
6. Lycos.com
Lycos on Wikimedia Commons
Lycos offered search features, news, and even games on its homepage. Users loved its clean layout and reliable tools. It was one of those sites you would set and leave for months at a time.
7. Ask Jeeves
ask.com on Wikimedia Commons
Ask Jeeves felt fancy because you could type questions in full sentences. Its butler mascot made it stand out among all the other search engines. Many people set it as their homepage just for the novelty.
8. Myspace
Myspace on Wikimedia Commons
When social networking exploded, Myspace became the homepage of choice. Logging in meant seeing your friends’ updates, customizing your profile, and checking new messages. For many, it was the first “personalized” homepage experience.
9. AltaVista
AltaVista Webseite on Wikimedia Commons
AltaVista was fast, powerful, and felt advanced compared to other search engines of its time. Setting it as your homepage gave you quick access to one of the earliest robust search tools. It was the go-to until Google took over.
10. GeoCities Personal Page
GeoCities on Wikimedia Commons
Some people set their very own GeoCities page as their homepage. It was a way to instantly showcase their personal site, complete with flashy GIFs and music. It felt like owning your own little corner of the internet.
11. Wikipedia
EWilson (WMF) on Wikimedia Commons
For those who loved quick facts, Wikipedia became the ultimate homepage. It was clean, fast, and always had something interesting on the main page. Many curious internet users kept it as their daily starting point.