Using the Internet Safely
If you are using a computer, tablet or smartphone to learn more about family law, you should be aware that your searches and browsing history can be monitored by others. If that concerns you, here are important steps you should consider taking.
“Quick Exit” Button
In the event you’re surprised by someone and need to quickly change what you’re viewing, clicking on the “Quick Exit” button in the upper right hand corner will instantly leave our site, replacing it with the weather site bom.gov.au.
Delete Search History
If you conduct searches using Google, Yahoo, Bing or other search engines, it is important to know that these services learn your search tendencies and make future suggestions based on your prior queries. Thus, someone using the same computer and browser may come to realise what types of information you have been seeking. Learn how to clear your search history after each session at Google, Yahoo and Bing.
Use Someone Else’s Devices
The safest way is by using someone else’s computer, tablet or smartphone, such as those available at a workplace, public place, or belonging to friends and family.
Delete Browsing History
The web sites you visit are tracked by your browser, as well, unless you manually turn off the tracking or you clear your browsing history; learn how to turn off the tracking or clear your browsing history at Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox and Toolbar.
Delete Cookies
Most web sites drop “cookies” into your computer; they are small files that hold a modest amount of data that help tailor the use of a web site during future visits, such as pre-populating fields to save you time. Here you can learn how to delete cookies on your computer.
Keeping Your Smartphone Safe
Your smartphone is essentially the same thing as your computer. This article contains excellent ideas that prevent others from accessing information on your smartphone. You should also consider deleting browsing history, cookies and search history from your phone.
Keeping Your Tablet Safe
If you happen to have a tablet, you’ll want to take similar steps with the settings and browser, as have been recommended above. Here is information on how to do so on an iPad, Kindle, Galaxy Note, Surface and Google Nexus.