Staying safe while surfing the web is extremely important. If you do not take proper action to cover your tracks when you are finished, a trail is left behind in plain view to anyone who has a small amount of knowledge on how web browsers work.

There are ways to secure your browser connection to make it more difficult for someone to view your actions on the web. With a few simple steps most web browsers can be cleaned up prior or after your web browsing experience.

Some web browsers provide the option for safe or private web browsing for the duration that you are online.

Operating System: Windows XP, Browser: Firefox

If you are using firefox, the best way to cover your tracks is to clear your browser history and cookies. You can do this by selecting Tools from the menu bar and then choosing Options. The next step is to click on Privacy at the top of the window and then Clear Now down on the bottom. This will bring up another window where you can select which items you want to clear.

If you really want to ensure that none of your information is left behind, the best thing to do is select everything and click Ok. The most important items are Browsing History, Cache, and Cookies. Remember to do this each time you use Firefox, or consider setting it up manually to erase everything each time you quit Firefox. You can find more information on that if you click on the Settings button.

Operating System: Mac OSX, Browser: Firefox

If you are using firefox, the best way to cover your tracks is to clear your browser history and cookies. You can do this by selecting Firefox from the menu bar and then choosing Preferences. The next step is to click on Privacy at the top of the window and then Clear Now down on the bottom. This will bring up another window where you can select which items you want to clear.

If you really want to ensure that none of your information is left behind, the best thing to do is select everything and click Ok. The most important items are Browsing History, Cache, and Cookies. Remember to do this each time you use Firefox, or consider setting it up manually to erase everything each time you quit Firefox. You can find more information on that if you click on the Settings button.

Operating System: Windows XP, Browser: Internet Explorer 6

If you are using Internet Explorer 6, clearing your browser history is the easiest way to get rid of any information you have been looking at while online. Click on Tools from the menu bar, and choose Options. In the next window click on Clear History and you should be fine. You can also alter the amount of days your history stays on the computer if you would like it to be cleared automatically instead.

Operating System: Windows XP, Browser: Internet Explorer 7

If you are using Internet Explorer 7, you'll have to clear your browser history to get rid of the information you have been looking at while online. Click on Tools from the menu bar, and choose Delete Browsing History. In the next window click on Delete button next to the item you would like to clear. Make sure you do not miss your browsing history and cookies.

Operating System: Windows XP, Browser: Safari

If your are using Safari, to turn on private browsing all you have to do is select Edit from the menu and choose Private Browsing. Press Ok and it should be smooth surfing until you are finished.

Operating System: Mac OSX, Browser: Safari

If your are using Safari, to turn on private browsing all you have to do is select Safari from the menu and choose Private Browsing. Press Ok and it should be smooth surfing until you are finished.

If you are in danger, please use a safer computer (ex. Public Library) and call 911, or VictimLink 24-hour hotline at: 1-800-563-0808, TTY 604-875-0885, or send a Text Message from your cell phone to: 604-836- 6381. There is always a computer trail. More Information