How to make sure that an abuser cannot discover your internet activities

1. Clear your History/cache file

If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web-pages and graphics), he 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 (see below).
If you do not know the type of browser you are using, click on HELP on the toolbar at the top of the browser screen. A drop down menu will appear, the last entry will say ABOUT INTERNET EXPLORER, ABOUT MOZILLA FIREFOX, or something similar. The entry refers to which browser type you are using - you should then refer to the relevant instructions below.

Internet Explorer

Pull down TOOLS menu
Select INTERNET OPTIONS
On GENERAL page, under TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES, click on DELETE COOKIES and then OK. Click on DELETE FILES, put a tick in the box labeled DELETE ALL OFFLINE CONTENT and click OK
On HISTORY, click on CLEAR HISTORY and then OK.
If this doesn't clear the history, click on the HISTORY. A list of all visited pages will be displayed. You can delete them one by one by right clicking them, and then selecting DELETE

Mozilla Firefox (newer version)

Click on TOOLS
Select CLEAR PRIVATE DATA
Tick all the boxes (except for the 'Ask me before clearing private data' one - untick it if it is ticked)
Click on CLEAR PRIVATE DATA NOW button

Firefox/Netscape (older version)

Click on TOOLS/OPTIONS
Click on PRIVACY
Click the CLEAR button next to Cache and Saved Form Information

AOL

Pull down MEMBERS menu
Select PREFERENCES
Click on www icon
Select ADVANCED, PURGE CACHE
Netscape
Pull down the EDIT menu
Select PREFERENCES
Click on NAVIGATOR and choose CLEAR HISTORY
Click on ADVANCED then select CACHE - click on CLEAR DISK CACHE

On older versions of Netscape

Pull down OPTIONS menu
Select NETWORK OPTIONS
Select CACHE - click on CLEAR DISK CACHE

Opera

Click on TOOLS
Click on PREFERENCES
Click on the ADVANCED tab
Click on the HISTORY section on the left-hand side
Click the two CLEAR buttons and the EMPTY NOW button

2. Make sure that the USE INLINE AUTOCOMPLETE is NOT checked.

This function will complete a partial web address while typing a location in the address bar at the top of the browser.

If you are using Internet Explorer:

Click on the TOOLS icon at the top
Select INTERNET OPTIONS
Either:
Select the ADVANCED tab - about halfway down, there is a USE AUTOCOMPLETE box that can be unchecked
or
At the top of the window, click on the CONTENT tab, select AUTOCOMPLETE and finally, CLEAR FORMS

3. Toolbars

Toolbars such as Google, AOL and Yahoo keep a record of the search words you have typed into the toolbar search box. In order to erase all the search words you have typed in, you will need to check the individual instructions for each type of toolbar. For example, for the Google toolbar all you need to do is click on the Google icon, and choose "Clear Search History".

4. Email use safety

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

If you contact us via email, you could take the following precautions:

Go to your SENT E-MAILS folder
Delete the email
Go to your DELETED FILES or TRASH folder and find the email.
Delete from here

If you started an email but didn't finish it, it might be in your DRAFTS folder. If you reply to any email, the original message will probably be in the body of the message - print and delete the email if you don't want anyone to see your original message.

When you delete an item in any email program (Outlook Express, Outlook, Thunderbird etc.) it does not really delete the item - it moves the item to a folder called DELETED ITEMS. You have to delete the items in Deleted Items separately. Right-click on items within the Deleted Items folder to delete individual items.This will permanently delete any record of an email you have sent us.

If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse.

THIS INFORMATION MAY NOT COMPLETELY COVER YOUR TRACKS. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. Your partner may also be suspicious if you have taken steps to cover your tracks. The safest way to find information on the Internet would be at a local library, a friend's house or at work.