1.
Can
my activity on the internet really be tracked?
For
example, could my abuser tell what sites I have visited?
Yes, there are
a few ways that someone could easily find out what web sites
you have visited.
Computers have what is called a cache file. The cache (pronounced
"cash") automatically saves web pages and graphics. Anyone
who looks at the cache file on your computer can see what
information you have viewed recently on the internet.
Also, most web
browsers like Internet Explorer
and Netscape keep a list of the most recent web sites and
links that you have visited in a history file. You can look
at your own history by clicking on the history button on your
toolbar.
It is
possible to clear the cache and history files so that your
computer doesn't keep a list of the sites you have visited.
But you should be very cautious about doing this.
| NOTE:
If your abuser is comfortable with computers, and
sees that you have cleared all the cache and history files
on your computer (including the sites they have visited),
they could become suspicious or angry. If that is a possibility,
it would be better for you to use a computer they cannot
have access to - for example, at a library, a friend's
house, or at work. |
We provide some information about how to clear your cache
and history files, but urge you think about whether this is
a good idea before you do it. How you do this depends on what
browser you are using. (Your browser is the software on your
computer that lets you search the internet and display internet
pages. If you are not sure what browser you are using, see
"Your browser".) For information
about how to clear your cache and history files, see "Clearing
cache & history".
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