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For every page you visit on the web, your browser stores a variety of information from and about the page you have visited. The graphics are placed in a file called a cache. This cache is stored on the hard drive on your computer. The intended purpose of a cache is to speed the display of pages in your browser. The unintentional outcome of your cache is that a web surfer creates a trail or footprints on the computer she uses. These files can be viewed by anyone using the computer. Additionally, browser store other information like cookies and history that can lead a savvy detective to personal information about your surfing habits.

If you are concerned that someone else using your computer may learn what sites you have visited on the Internet, you can erase many of these files. It is very difficult to remove every trace. If you do not want to create this trail on your personal machine, but wish to research sensitive items, especially if your personal safety might be comprised, consider browsing the web from someone else computer. Public libraries, educational instituion and cafes have computers available where you steps are less likely to be traced.

Many sites also use cookies, text files containing information baout you and your visit, on your computer. These files may be used to gather information about your surfing habits, personalize or customize your visit on a website or save your preferences for a particular site. This site does not use cookies except in our catalogue. PCAR's online catalogue uses cookies tokeep track of items you have placed in your cart.

Remember me and auto complete.

Here are some guidelines for erasing the cache, cookies and history in your browser. Because of the large variety of browsers available, these cover only Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape COmmunicator, the two most popular browsers. Whether you use one of these programs or another browser, the application's help file will have detailed and easy to follow instructions.

Determine the version of Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator by using the user interface.

In all versions of Internet Explorer, click About Internet Explorer on the Help menu. The product and version information is displayed in the dialog box that appears.
From the Netscape Help menu, click About Communicator (or About Navigator if that is what is available).

Do you have: Internet Explorer or Netscape? These are basic instructions for clearing you cache, deleting your cookies and erasing your history and auto-complete files.

Internet Explorer:

These insturctions have been created using Internet Explorer's help files. They will not be exact for every version of the browser. For more detailed instrutions, click "Help" in the menu then click "Contents and Index" in the pull down menu. Then type the word in the search field.

Keyword: Cookies
Select: Delete a Cookie