Learn how to delete the history on your browser so your abuser cannot tell you have been to our site.

IMPORTANT
This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. Additionally, there is a lot of low-level software that can 'dig-up' where you have been on the Internet as well as what you have done on your computer. The safest way to find information on the Internet, would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.

Step 1: Go to your web browser settingsStep 2: Go to your History tabStep 3: Click Clear Browsing History(usually located at the botttom)
These instructions are generic, the process for doing this varies with each different browser, and of course as time goes on new browsers are released which requires a different set of directions. Sp you can refer to this website for more clear instructions:

http://www.guardian.co.tt/how-do-i-clear-my-web-browsers-cache-cookies-and-history

Many modern browsers have modes you can use which will not track your activity. It's important to note that activity is only hidden AFTER you enable these modes, and only for as long as you're browsing. Once you close your browser window you then have to re-enable these modes if you want to browse more. Here is what they are called in some browsers:

• Google Chrome - Incognito (available in the File menu as "New Incognito Window")
• Safari - Private Browsing (available in the Safari menu as "Private Browsing...")
• Firefox - Private Window (available in the File menu as "New Private Window")
• Internet Explorer - InPrivate Browsing (available in the Safety menu as "InPrivate Browsing")

If you're not seeing an option for private browsing in your browser, or if the steps above don't work for you, simply search Google for how to browse in private. Instructions for your particular browser should be available.

Mobile Devices
If you're using a mobile device, your abuser can still access your browsing history etc. Many mobile browsers also have these modes. If you're unsure how to enable them, do a quick search for "private browsing on my X" where "X" is the type of phone or mobile device you're using.

We can be both anonymous on-line and yet very exposed at the same time. Keeping these few tips in mind will help you to stay safe on-line. Women dealing with abuse need to consider their safety on the Internet especially if they use a home computer.

Browsing The Web
Your computer records small pieces of information about the Web sites you've visited. This information might include the URL of the Website you visited; or specific information such as a username and password for your banking Website.

There are three main security points to be aware of on the Web: browser cookies, browser cache and firewalls.

Cookies
Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored about you in your browser. They are usually used as part of a "remember my login information" feature on Websites that require a password (for example: your Hotmail account). They are usually a good thing; however, they also allow someone who has access to your computer to see which Websites you have visited and may allow them to see private information (as in the case of email or banking Websites). If you think someone may be monitoring your Internet use, make sure that cookies are disabled while you are browsing the Internet.

Browser Cache & Temporary Internet Files
To speed up Website download times your browser will often save small pieces of a Website so they don't need to be downloaded again. These temporary Internet files can be used to track what Websites you have visited. If you think your computer use is being monitored you must delete these temporary files. Be aware that you can only delete all of the files.

Covering your tracks completely may arise suspicion as well. You may either (1) visit additional "safe" sites after clearing your browser cache or (2) use a computer at a friend's house or the library instead of your home computer.

Firewalls & Parental Monitoring Software
There lots of different computer programs that allow people to spy on how a computer is being used to surf the Web. Instead of allowing the computer to connect directly to the Internet; this software forces the computer to pass through a "firewall" or "proxy server." Sometimes this can be helpful. For example adding parental controls to computers where children are surfing the Internet; however, these programs also allow the "parent" to monitor which Websites are being visited by anyone using the computer. It is not always possible to know for sure whether or not this kind of monitoring system is in place. If you believe you are being monitored, do not use your home computer to surf the Internet! Go to a friend's place or use a public library computer instead.

Chat Safety
Chatting online is a little bit like chatting to a stranger at the bar or at the park. There is no way for sure to know if that person is telling you the truth. Just as you should not give your real name and phone number to a stranger; you should not reveal your personal information on-line either. Do you know for sure that it's your best friend sitting in front of the other computer, or could it be their husband or their sister?

Use only generic information that cannot be used to identify you. Often chat programs will allow you to set up a "profile." This information is always optional and in most cases it is more appropriate to leave it completely blank. Use a fake name and create a "disposable" email account when chatting on MSN. You may even want to hide your gender when you are chatting on-line.

Most "chat" and instant messaging programs have a feature which automatically logs all conversations. If you think your home computer might be monitored by someone else in the house be sure to turn this feature OFF. In MSN your message history is available from: TOOLS -> OPTIONS -> MESSAGES TAB...... then at the bottom... Message History. Be sure to clear this history when you are done your conversation.

Email
Use a private email account that can only be read by you. If your computer is shared with others in the house, set up a free Web-based email account to send private email. There are many free Webmail services available. Gmail and Hotmail both have very good services with plenty of storage for your emails. Using a Web-based account also allows you to check your email from any computer that has an Internet connection (for example: the library or a friend's house).

Passwords
Passwords are one of the strongest keys to your privacy. We use passwords to access our voice mail, to make purchases with Interac, and to log on to the Internet and check our email. The safest place to store your password in your head. Never share your password with another person. Avoid the temptation to write your password down; and avoid the temptation to save your password into your computer. For even higher security, change your passwords on a regular basis.

Your computer records small pieces of information about the websites you've visited. This information might include the URL of the website you visited; or specific information like a username and password for your banking website.

There are three main security points to be aware of on the web: browser cookies, browser cache and firewalls.

Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored about you in your browser. They are usually used as part of a "remember my login information" feature on websites that require a password (for example: your hotmail account). They are usually a good thing; however, they also allow someone who has access to your computer to see which websites you have visited and may allow them to see private information (as in the case of email or banking websites). If you think someone may be monitoring your Internet use, make sure that cookies are disabled while you are browsing the internet.

Browser cache and temporary internet files - To speed up website download times your browser will often save small pieces of a website so they don't need to be downloaded again. These temporary internet files can be used to track what websites you have visited. If you think your computer use is being monitored you must delete these temporary files. Be aware that you can only delete all of the files. Covering your tracks completely may arise suspicion as well. You may either (1) visit additional "safe" sites after clearing your browser cache or (2) use a computer at a friend's house or the library instead of your home computer.

Firewalls and parental monitoring software - There lots of different computer programs that allow people to spy on how a computer is being used to surf the Web. Instead of allowing the computer to connect directly to the Internet; this software forces the computer to pass through a "firewall" or "proxy server." Sometimes this can be helpful. For example adding parental controls to computers where children are surfing the Internet; however, these programs also allow the "parent" to monitor which websites are being visited by anyone using the computer. It is not always possible to know for sure whether or not this kind of monitoring system is in place. If you believe you are being monitored, do not use your home computer to surf the internet! Go to a friend's place or use a public library computer instead.