Internet Safety
Prevent an Abuser From Discovering Internet Activities
Note: these instructions are accurate as of 12/15/09 and may be subject to change.
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 your partner will not be able to guess. If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, they can be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse. Additionally, the messages may constitute a federal offense.
Clearing Cache will remove any searched confidential information left on your computer. It is recommended that you clear your computer's cache after every session. Once the cache is cleared, others with access to the computer can't look at files you've accessed. This extra step will help keep your information private.
- Turn your computer on and wait for it to fully load.
- Close down any programs that automatically start when you turn on your computer.
- Click on "Start", which should be in the lower left-hand corner of your main desktop screen.
- Navigate to the "Control Panel" option and left-click on it. A window will open containing control-panel options and a variety of icons. If your control panel is not already in classic view, select that option in the upper left-hand corner.
- Look for the icon that says "Internet Options" and left-click on it twice. A smaller window will appear listing those options.
- Select the "Delete Files" button under the "Temporary Internet Files" subheading in the General tab. When asked if you want to delete all temporary internet files, click "OK." Your computer will now take over and delete all the temporary files. The "Internet Options" window should remain open after the process is complete.
- Choose the "Delete Cookies" button from the "Internet Options" window under the "General" tab. When asked if you want to delete all cookies, click "OK" again. The "Internet Options" window will remain open.
- Click on the "Clear History" button in the "Internet Options" window under the "General" tab if you want to delete your browsing history as well. This will delete the record of every site you have recently visited online. Follow the link in Resources for more information on other computer operations.
