Internet Activities and Your Abuser

Please remember that an abuser can discover your internet activities.

In order to increase your safety when using the internet please read the warnings below.

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, they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password that an abuser 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 their abuse.

History / Cache file

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

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

• Netscape
  Pull down 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 Netscape:
  Pull down Options menu.
  Select Network Options, Select Cache.
  Click on "Clear Disk Cache".

• Internet Explorer
  Pull down Tools menu, select Internet Options.
  On General page, under Temporary Internet Files, click on "Delete Files".
  Under History click on "Clear History".

• AOL
  Pull down Members menu, select Preferences.
  Click on WWW icon. Then select Advanced.
  Purge Cache.

Additionally, you need to make sure that the "Use Inline Autocomplete" box 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, this box can be found on the MS Internet Explorer Page by clicking on the "View" icon at the top, then "Internet Options", and then the "Advanced" tab. About halfway down there is a "Use Autocomplete" box that can be checked and unchecked by clicking on it.