Erasing Your Internet Tracks

 

If you have any concern that someone will trace your internet tracks (and discover what websites you have visited), follow these steps provided by the "Shelternet.ca" website, to reduce the chances that this will occur.

Computers have what is called a "CACHE" (pronounced "cash"), which stores copies of files you've looked at recently with your browser (e.g., Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator). The cache automatically saves web pages and graphics. Anyone who looks at the cache file on your computer can see what information you have viewed recently on the internet. 

Also, most web browsers keep a list of the most recent websites and links that you have visited in a "HISTORY" file. This contains the addresses of the places you've recently visited. Anyone can access this information by clicking on the arrow at the right-hand edge of the address box, in the toolbar at the top of the page.

It is possible to clear the cache and history files so that your computer doesn't keep a list of the websites you have visited, by following the instructions below. You should, however, be very cautious about doing this (see "CAUTION" section at the bottom of the page). If it is safe to do so:

1. The first thing to erase is the "CACHE".

2. The second thing to erase is the "HISTORY" list. .

 

For Internet Explorer Users:

To clear "CACHE" files:

• Click on Tools on the toolbar at the top of the screen
• Select Internet Options.
• On General page, under Temporary Internet Files, click on Delete Files. If asked, check the box to delete all offline content.

To clear "HISTORY" files:

• Still within the Temporary Internet Files section, click on Settings. 
• Click on View Files. Manually highlight all the files shown, then hit Delete. Close that window.
• Still on the General page, under the History section, click on Clear History.

 

For Internet Explorer 7 Users:

To clear "CACHE" files:

• Click on Tools on the toolbar at the top of the screen
• Select Internet Options.
• On General page, under Browsing History, click on Delete.
• You are shown a list that includes Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, History, Form Data, and Passwords.
• You can delete each item individually, or click on Delete All at the bottom of the page. (If asked, check the box to delete files and settings stored by add-ons.)

 

For Netscape Navigator Users:

To clear "CACHE" files:

• Click on Edit on the tool bar at the top of the screen
• Select Preferences
• Click Advanced
• Click Cache
• Click the Clear Memory Cache button
• Click the Clear Disk Cache button
• Click OK

To clear "HISTORY" files:

• From the Edit menu at the top of the screen, click on Preferences
• A small screen will pop up. From the History section, click Clear History and Clear Location Bar History
• Click OK
  

 

CAUTION:

When you clear your computer's cache and the history, you erase ALL information that has previously been stored there. If your abuser notices that these sections have been deleted, this person will realize that you know how to erase your internet tracks (and will possibly think that you have something to hide).

One way to avoid suspicion is to clear the cache and history, and then spend some time visiting several websites that you think your abuser wouldn't object to. This will start to fill up these sections, and will reduce the chances that someone else will notice that information has been deleted.

Another option is to use a computer that your abuser does not have access to - for example, at a library, a friend's house, or at work.

 

For detailed information on both internet AND e-mail safety, visit the follow link at the "Shelternet.ca" website:

http://www.shelternet.ca/en/women/internet-safety