Update own-instance.rst

Improved English grammar and punctuation for professionalism.
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dwitterer 2024-09-01 22:07:44 +01:00 committed by Markus Heiser
parent 0b3724651e
commit ba4942ea51

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@ -2,9 +2,9 @@
Why use a private instance? Why use a private instance?
=========================== ===========================
.. sidebar:: Is it worth to run my own instance? .. sidebar:: Is running my own instance worth it?
\.\. is a common question among SearXNG users. Before answering this \.\.\.is a common question among SearXNG users. Before answering this
question, see what options a SearXNG user has. question, see what options a SearXNG user has.
.. contents:: .. contents::
@ -12,13 +12,13 @@ Why use a private instance?
:local: :local:
:backlinks: entry :backlinks: entry
Public instances are open to everyone who has access to its URL. Usually, these Public instances are open to everyone who has access to their URL. Usually, they
are operated by unknown parties (from the users' point of view). Private are operated by unknown parties (from the users' point of view). Private
instances can be used by a select group of people. It is for example a SearXNG of instances can be used by a select group of people, such as a SearXNG instance for a
group of friends or a company which can be accessed through VPN. Also it can be group of friends, or a company which can be accessed through a VPN. Instances can also be
single user one which runs on the user's laptop. single-user instances, which run locally on the user's machine.
To gain more insight on how these instances work let's dive into how SearXNG To gain more insight on how these instances work, let's dive into how SearXNG
protects its users. protects its users.
.. _SearXNG protect privacy: .. _SearXNG protect privacy:
@ -26,26 +26,26 @@ protects its users.
How does SearXNG protect privacy? How does SearXNG protect privacy?
================================= =================================
SearXNG protects the privacy of its users in multiple ways regardless of the type SearXNG protects the privacy of its users in multiple ways, regardless of the type
of the instance (private, public). Removal of private data from search requests of the instance (private or public). Removal of private data from search requests
comes in three forms: comes in three forms:
1. removal of private data from requests going to search services 1. Removing private data from requests going to search services
2. not forwarding anything from a third party services through search services 2. Not forwarding anything from third party services through search services
(e.g. advertisement) (e.g. advertisement)
3. removal of private data from requests going to the result pages 3. Removing private data from requests going to the results pages
Removing private data means not sending cookies to external search engines and Removing private data means not sending cookies to external search engines and
generating a random browser profile for every request. Thus, it does not matter generating a random browser profile for every request. Thus, it does not matter
if a public or private instance handles the request, because it is anonymized in if a public or private instance handles the request, because it is anonymized in
both cases. IP addresses will be the IP of the instance. But SearXNG can be both cases. The IP address used will be the IP of the instance, but SearXNG can also be
configured to use proxy or Tor. `Result proxy configured to use proxy or Tor. `Result proxy
<https://github.com/asciimoo/morty>`__ is supported, too. <https://github.com/asciimoo/morty>`__ is supported, too.
SearXNG does not serve ads or tracking content unlike most search services. So SearXNG does not serve ads or tracking content, unlike most search services. Therefore,
private data is not forwarded to third parties who might monetize it. Besides private data is not forwarded to third parties who might monetize it. Besides
protecting users from search services, both referring page and search query are protecting users from search services, both the referring page and search query are
hidden from visited result pages. hidden from the results pages being visited.
What are the consequences of using public instances? What are the consequences of using public instances?
@ -53,11 +53,11 @@ What are the consequences of using public instances?
If someone uses a public instance, they have to trust the administrator of that If someone uses a public instance, they have to trust the administrator of that
instance. This means that the user of the public instance does not know whether instance. This means that the user of the public instance does not know whether
their requests are logged, aggregated and sent or sold to a third party. their requests are logged, aggregated, and sent or sold to a third party.
Also, public instances without proper protection are more vulnerable to abusing Also, public instances without proper protection are more vulnerable to abuse of
the search service, In this case the external service in exchange returns the search service which may cause the external service to enforce
CAPTCHAs or bans the IP of the instance. Thus, search requests return less CAPTCHAs, or to ban the IP address of the instance. Thus, search requests would return less
results. results.
I see. What about private instances? I see. What about private instances?
@ -67,10 +67,10 @@ If users run their :ref:`own instances <installation>`, everything is in their
control: the source code, logging settings and private data. Unknown instance control: the source code, logging settings and private data. Unknown instance
administrators do not have to be trusted. administrators do not have to be trusted.
Furthermore, as the default settings of their instance is editable, there is no Furthermore, as the default settings of their instance are editable, there is no
need to use cookies to tailor SearXNG to their needs. So preferences will not be need to use cookies to tailor SearXNG to their needs and preferences will not
reset to defaults when clearing browser cookies. As settings are stored on reset to defaults when clearing browser cookies. As settings are stored on
their computer, it will not be accessible to others as long as their computer is the user's computer, they will not be accessible to others as long as their computer is
not compromised. not compromised.
Conclusion Conclusion
@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ Always use an instance which is operated by people you trust. The privacy
features of SearXNG are available to users no matter what kind of instance they features of SearXNG are available to users no matter what kind of instance they
use. use.
If someone is on the go or just wants to try SearXNG for the first time public For those on the go, or just wanting to try SearXNG for the first time, public
instances are the best choices. Additionally, public instance are making a instances are the best choice. Additionally, public instance are making the
world a better place, because those who cannot or do not want to run an world a better place by giving those who cannot, or do not, want to run an
instance, have access to a privacy respecting search service. instance access to a privacy-respecting search service.