HOW AN ABUSER CAN DISCOVER YOUR INTERNET ACTIVITIES

* This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the internet, would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.

E-mail: If an abuser has access to your email account, he or she may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password he or she will not be able to guess.

If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse. Additionally, the messages may constitute a federal offense. For more information on this issue, contact your local United States Attorney's Office.

History / cache file: If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), he or she may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the internet.

You can clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings.

Netscape: Pulldown Edit menu, select Preferences. Click on Navigator on choose 'Clear History'. Click on Advanced then select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache".

On older versions of Netcape: Pulldown Options menu. Select Network Options, Select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache".

FireFox: version 3... From the Tools menu, select Options... On the top, select "Privacy". In the displayed window in the Private Data box, click the Settings button, check all boxes, then OK, then click "Clear Now"

Internet Explorer: version 7... From the Tools menu, select Internet Options. On General page, under Browsing history, click on the "Delete.." button.

AOL: Pulldown Members menu, select Preferences. Click on WWW icon. Then select Advanced. Purge Cache.

Google Chrome: Go to the little wrench on the upper-right and click on New Incognito Window.  This allows anyone to surf the Internet without leaving any trace.  Be sure to close any Google Chrome windows before leaving the computer.

NOTE: This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the internet, would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.

This information was compiled by American Bar Association.

For extensive information on Internet safety please visit www.cyberangels.com.