How to Manage Private Data - Delete History
Each browser possesses its own unique functionality when it comes time to clear history and other private data components. Some provide total control over items such as browsing history and cookies, not only giving you the ability to delete history and delete cookies but also to manipulate the way they are stored and viewed. It is important to know how your favorite browser handles this sensitive data.
Firefox
The Firefox browser lets you specify which items are erased when you choose to clear your private data. These items are categorized as follows: browsing history, download history, saved form and search history, cache, cookies, offline Website data, saved passwords, and authenticated sessions. These tutorials step you through the process of removing sensitive data left behind by Firefox.
Internet Explorer
Microsoft's IE browser separates browsing history into cookies, form data, a list of sites that you have visited, passwords, and temporary Internet files. You are given the ability to dictate which of these components are deleted, giving you some control over which sensitive data goes and which remains. The following tutorial steps you through the entire process.
Opera
The Opera browser does a great job of separating your private data into over a dozen categories. These range from the standards such as cookies and cache to the more detailed like bookmark visited time and the history of links that you have clicked on. These tutorials describe the various components of personal data that Opera stores and instruct you on how they are managed.
- Opera 9.5 for Windows
- Opera 9.5 for Macintosh
Safari for Macintosh and Windows
Like most browsers, Apple's offering allows you to easily manage your browsing history. In addition to this functionality, Safari gives you the ability to quickly reset the browser to its default state. By doing this, any sensitive data that the browser has stored as a result of your online activity is immediately deleted. The following tutorials teach you how to do all of this on both the Windows and Macintosh platforms.
Manage Browsing History
Restore Default Settings
Safari for the iPhone
The popularity of Apple's iPhone is due largely in part to the device's Safari browser. The similarities to a desktop browsing experience go beyond simple page rendering. Safari on the iPhone also stores private data including cache, cookies, and browsing history. As is the case in other versions of Safari, the iPhone browser gives you the ability to clear your tracks when you're done surfing on the go. These tutorials show you how it's done.
