Erasing My Computer's History Files

[always looking]

Hi Guys:

I was wondering if someone can tell me how to erase the history files on my browser. Is there a setting that purges your history file like once a week? Thanks in advance

 

[niplust]

Do it yourself - daily

Most browsers will keep history for 20 days or more. If you are visiting Terb from work, purge every time you are finished. You never know when someone will check your computer.

Do not just purge history, also purge the temporary files and the cookies.

Do this by going to a website that is OK for work.

Click on Tools at the top of the page.

Then click on Internet Options

Click on Clear History

Click on Delete Files

Click on Delete Cookies

There are still ways they can check on you but for most intents this should eliminate anyone seeing that you have been surfing where you should not.

Cheers

 

[Fred Zed]

You can also download a trial version of:

www.evidence-washer.net

or do search on google - there are dozens of these history cleaners available, and they are far more effective than doing it manually.

 

[LoveThemGirls]

If you are running Windows 2000 and Internet explorer 6, you will have to also go into c:\documents and settings, find your log on id and purge all temporary internet files in there too. Even when you delete the files using niplust's method, many internet files are stored there.

 

[anotherhappy]

Purging does't clean all that thoroughly...

Alternatively, you can install a second browser such as Opera or Mozilla. This way you can keep a nice long IE history full of innocent surfing. I am posting from Opera right now, from work. I just make sure that I've installed it in an odd directory, and have no shortcuts to it.

Opera is also good for disabling popups..

 

[TravellingGuy]

Work Surfing

Everyone seems to ignore the simple fact that if your company is interested in spying on where you are surfing, they don't need your cache, temporary files, or even your computer to check. All they have to do is check their network logs or install a program which tracks what websites each machine is hitting. All this information is stored not on your machine so you can't hide your tracks.

If you are unsure of what procedures and programs your IT department has running you can never be sure that you are "safe" surfing.

 

[pblues]

Re: Work Surfing

Everyone seems to ignore the simple fact that if your company is interested in spying on where you are surfing, they don't need your cache, temporary files, or even your computer to check. All they have to do is check their network logs or install a program which tracks what websites each machine is hitting. All this information is stored not on your machine so you can't hide your tracks.

If you are unsure of what procedures and programs your IT department has running you can never be sure that you are "safe" surfing.

The above is especially true if your company is using a proxy server. Normally most companys wont perform a witch hunt unless someone else in the company rats you out. I'm in IT and we have had to perform the unholy because of staff entering porn sites.

One correction to niplust's entry:

Peform the cleanup at the home page.