PC / Windows - AOL

Erasing temporary internet files
Every time you surf the web, your computer keeps a record of the most recent web sites you have visited.  These are called temporary internet files.  There are two ways to delete these files: through your operating system (Windows), and through your web browser. 

Here's how to delete temporary internet files through Windows Explorer:
1. From the Windows Start Menu, click Programs.
2. Select Windows Explorer
3. Click on the letter that represents your hard drive (it is usually 'C').
4. You will see an expanded list of folders.  Click on the "Windows" folder.
5. This folder will expand.  Click on the subfolder called "Temporary Internet Files"
6. Delete all of the files in this folder.  A quick way to do this is to click the first file listed, press and hold your "Shift" key, and scroll to the last file listed.  Click this file while still holding the "Shift" key.  All the files will be selected.  Press your keyboard's "Delete" key.

Instructions on deleting temporary internet files through your web browser are included in the next section of this document, called "Clearing your cache."

Clearing your cache
Your computer's cache (pronounced cash) will remember the most recent pages you have visited and store them for quick reloading.  Emptying your cache is one way to delete the history of sites you have visited from your computer.

Here's how:
1. Click the "My AOL" icon on the toolbar
2. Select "Preferences"
3. Click the "WWW" button
4. From the pop-up menu, click the "Delete Files" in the Temporary Internet Files section.
5. In the History section of the same pop-up menu, click "Clear History"

Surfing the web without cookies
Cookies are a way for web sites to track their visitors and their actions.  Sometimes this means that the site will "remember" you when you visit again (e.g. it may display your first name, which you entered on a previous visit).  Cookies are stored on your computer as a record of many site you visit.  To avoid this, you can turn them off inside your web browser before you begin surfing the web.

Here's how:
1. Click the "My AOL" icon on the browser toolbar
2. Select "Preferences"
3. Click the "WWW" icon.
4. From the pop-up menu that appears, click the Security tab, and then click "Custom Level"
5. Scroll through the list until you reach the section for Cookies.  You can choose to disable them entirely, or have the browser prompt you to accept them individually.
6. When you have made your selection, click OK to exit the security settings, and OK again to exit Internet Options.

Note:  Some sites require cookies to be enabled in order to function properly, particularly those with online forms or login areas.

Deleting cookies from your computer
If you have surfed the web with cookies turned on, you can still delete them by using Windows Explorer. 

Here's how:
1. From the Windows Start Menu, click Programs.
2. Select Windows Explorer
3. Click on the letter that represents your hard drive (it is usually 'C').

4. You will see an expanded list of folders.  Click on the "Windows" folder.
5. This folder will expand.  Click on the subfolder called "Cookies"
6. Delete all of the files in this folder.

Clearing Windows Documents listings
There are shortcuts on your computer that list the most recent documents you've been using, as well as recent web site addresses.  You can delete these in Windows very easily.

Here's how:
1. Point your mouse over the grey task bar at the bottom of your screen.
2. Right click with your mouse.
3. Click "Properties"
4. Click the tab "Start Menu Programs"
5. Press the "Clear" button in the Documents menu.
6. Click "OK"

Using Web-based Email
Keeping your email to yourself can be very difficult if you are using programs such as Outlook Express, which can easily be opened by anyone using your computer.  To ensure email privacy, it is recommended that you set up a web-based email account through Hotmail, Yahoo or various others.  There are simple account set-up instructions available on each company's web site.  If you would prefer, you can fill out the set up forms using an alias. 

For more information, please visit:
http://www.hotmail.com
http://mail.yahoo.com/

Note: 
If anonymity on the web is of the utmost importance for you, you should consider using the internet in an environment away from home, such as a friend's house, or a public terminal.  Public terminals can usually be found in libraries and community centers

Safe Use Tips: www.shelternet.ca