PC / Windows (Netscape)

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. From the Edit menu at the top of the screen, click "Preferences"
2. A small screen will pop up.  From the History section, click "Clear History"
3. Click "OK"

Netscape also stores files in a cache in Windows Explorer.  To delete these files:

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 "Program Files" folder.
5. This folder will expand.  Click on the subfolder called "Netscape",  then click on the folder "Users".

6. Click on the folder that matches your Netscape profile.  If there is only one profile set up on your computer, there will only be one subfolder in the Users area.  If you have more than one profile on your computer, you will have to select the profile you want to use as soon as you start using Netscape.  Click the folder that matches the profile you selected when you began surfing the Internet. 

7.  Once you have opened your profile, open the subfolder "Cache".

8. Delete all of the files in the Cache 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.

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. From the Edit pull-down menu, select "Preferences"
2. Click on the "Advanced" section from the list of areas on the left of the small pop-up window.
3. Select "Disable cookies," or if you would like to be prompted to accept individual cookies, select "Warn me before accepting a cookie."
4. Click OK.

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 folder called "Program Files"
5. Click on the "Netscape" folder.
6. Click on the "Users" subfolder.
7. Open your user file (you may only have one).
8. Click the "Cache" folder. 
9. Delete all of the files in this folder.
10. In the same "Users" subfolder, click on the "Archive" folder.
11. 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