Up-down arrows and Google... don't work as expected

[dvduval]

So on my laptop which I mostly use I like to use the up and down arrows to scroll on the page. I don't like to grab the side scroller to move up and down the page, but it seems there is no choice with google.

Using the down arrow on a SERP actually moves the highlight to the first paid result and I have accidently clicked on ads this way.

Also, when type a search I am used to hitting "enter" as I finish typing, sometimes twice if I am not sure I hit it. The result again is I am going to a paid advertiser's website.

So first I don't like accidentally clicking on an ad. And more important, the behavior is not friendly to me. Maybe it is for some, but not for me.

Anyone else have a similar opinion?

[Robert Charlton]

Sounds like you're experiencing the keyboard navigation "features" of Google Instant, which I believe are the default. We discussed them here back in September, but concern then was primarily with effect on click-throughs....

Google Instant Gets Keyboard Navigation - and a blue triangle arrow
http://www.webmasterworld.com/google/4209381.htm [webmasterworld.com]

I think to disable the new scrolling behavior, which definitely is a departure from what users normally expect in a browser, you will have to disable Instant. You should be able to do this by hitting the "Instant is on" link to the right of the search box that toggles Instant on and off. From your description, you may not have enough manual control of your cursor to do this. ;)

[dvduval]

Can I make "Instant Off" the default behavior AND not be logged into Google?

[dstiles]

Turn off Javascript - a natural default with Firefox + Noscript. Gets rid of all sorts of nasties, including accidentally clicking on a cloaked virus site link in the SERPS (mostly!).