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INTERNET SAFETY

Use the information below to keep your online activiy private.

E-Mail

If an abuser has access to your e-mail 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 he or she will not be able to guess.

If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing e-mail messages, they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse.  Additionally, the messages may constitute a federal offense.  For more information on this issue, contact your local Attorney General's office.

 

History/cache file:

If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), he or she may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the internet.

You can clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings. *

Netscape

Pull down Edit menu, select Preferences.  Click on Navigator and choose 'Clear History.'  Click on Advanced, then select Cache.  Click on "Clear Disk Cache."

On older versions of Netscape:  Pulldown Options menu.  Select Network Preferences; select Cache.  Click on "Clear Disk Cache."

Internet Explorer

Pull down Tools on the pull down menu, select Internet Options.  On General page, under Temporary Internet Files, click on "Delete Files."  Under History, click on "Clear History."

AOL

Pull down Members menu, select Preferences.  Click on WWW icon. Then select "Advanced."  Purge Cache.

* This information may not completely hide the websites you may have visited.  Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites.  The safest way to search for information on the internet if you are in danger is at a local library, a friend's house, or at work if possible.

Taken from Women in Transition, empowering women to change their lives.

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