HOW AN ABUSER CAN DISCOVER YOUR INTERNET ACTIVITIES

Email: 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. Keep in mind that it is possible that an abuser with very advanced computer skills might be able to hack into your email account.

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" and 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".

• Internet Explorer:
Pulldown "Tools menu", select "Internet Options". On "General" page, under "Temporary Internet Files" , click on "Delete Files". For an added measure, click on "Delete Cookies" as well. Under History click on "Clear History."

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

Disable Autocomplete: Additionally, 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 "Tools" menu 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.


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


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