When you type one word in the address bar, Firefox will check whether it is a valid host name. For example, if you are in an organization, intranet might be the name of a server. If the DNS server responds that the server was not found, then Firefox will submit the word to the keyword service. Instead of returning an honest response, some ISPs return the address of a site they operate (e.g., a search page). This is where your problem is a bit more unique: I assume you are not using that school's network, at least not intentionally. Can you check your Firefox proxy setting to make sure you are using your system default or no proxy? Edit menu > Preferences > Advanced > Network mini-tab > "Settings" button Also, if you use any add-ons that change your routing (e.g., something TOR-related), you may want to test with that disabled. Finally, make sure your system-level DNS settings, and the DNS settings of any routers between you and the internet, have not been hijacked.