Internet Safety Tips 

How you can protect yourself from an abuser discovering your internet activities.

There are many ways computers record everything you do on the computer or internet.

• If you are in danger please try to use a safer computer that someone abusive does not have direct access to, or even remote access to. It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a community technology center, or at a trusted friends’ house.
• If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, you might consider no home Internet use or Internet surfing. Example: If you are planning to flee to a different state, don't look at classified ads for jobs and apartments, bus tickets, etc. in that particular state on any computer your abuser may use. Use a safer computer to research an escape plan.

It is not possible to delete or clear all computer "footprints”, however here are some tips you can use to protect some of your computer activity:

E-Mail:  If an abuser has access to your e-mail 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 e-mail 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 Attorney General'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 brower's settings. 

• Netscape/FireFox
  Pull down 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: Use the Pulldown Options menu and select Network Preferences; then select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache."
• Internet Explorer:
  Pull down Tools on the pull down 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.

Once again, this information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to search for information on the internet is to use a computer that your abuser does not have access to.

Sources:
www.icadv.org
http://actabuse.com/index.html