Your computer records small pieces of information about the Web sites you've visited. This information might include the URL of the Web site you visited; or specific information like a username and password for your banking Web site.
There are three main security points to be aware of on the Web: browser cookies, browser cache and firewalls. Additional technical information is available from Rural Women Online Safety Toolkit.
Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored about you in your browser. They are usually used as part of a "remember my login information" feature on Web sites that require a password (for example: your Hotmail account). They are usually a good thing; however, they also allow someone who has access to your computer to see which Web sites you have visited and may allow them to see private information (as in the case of email or banking Web sites). If you think someone may be monitoring your Internet use, make sure that cookies are disabled while you are browsing the Internet.
Browser cache and temporary Internet files To speed up Web site download times your browser will often save small pieces of a Web site so they don't need to be downloaded again. These temporary Internet files can be used to track what Web sites you have visited. If you think your computer use is being monitored you must delete these temporary files. Be aware that you can only delete all of the files. (Instructions are available from the The December 6 Fund: Cover Your Internet Tracks resource page.) Covering your tracks completely may arise suspicion as well. You may either (1) visit additional "safe" sites after clearing your browser cache or (2) use a computer at a friend's house or the library instead of your home computer.
Firewalls and parental monitoring software There lots of different computer programs that allow people to spy on how a computer is being used to surf the Web. Instead of allowing the computer to connect directly to the Internet; this software forces the computer to pass through a "firewall" or "proxy server." Sometimes this can be helpful. For example adding parental controls to computers where children are surfing the Internet; however, these programs also allow the "parent" to monitor which Web sites are being visited by anyone using the computer. It is not always possible to know for sure whether or not this kind of monitoring system is in place. If you believe you are being monitored, do not use your home computer to surf the Internet! Go to a friend's place or use a public library computer instead.