A majority of web surfers use various search engines to find what they are looking for. However, Google is the mostly commonly used among all other search engines. When you type a search phrase in the search box of a search engines, you may have observed that a drop down list pops up where all the previously searched terms are displayed. It is a wrong concept to think that the search engine has saved these previous searches. Actually, your web browser has a feature known as "AutoComplete" that saves these search terms.
A majority of web browsers that consist of Firefox and Internet Explorer use AutoComplete to help users carry out web searches and fill out various online forms. When the AutoComplete is turned on, the browser keeps track of various data that you have typed recently like the website URLs, search queries as well as form data. With such data thats saved, the browser tries to predict what you are going to type and makes you job easier by offering apparent matches. So, when you start typing a search phrase in the search box, a dropdown list of searched terms used earlier comes into view. However, the storage of such information by your browser could be a potential menace to your privacy as your spouse, kids, boss, or even a hacker can abuse such information or humiliate you in public. To protect your online privacy, you should clear your search history so that your browsing habits are not compromised.
If you want to clear your search history (often called AutoComplete history) manually, you need to complete the following steps:
For Internet Explorer 7:
After opening the Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and pick Internet Options from there. Next, select the tab marked General. Choose the Delete option under the Browser History. For form data, pick Delete forms and click on the button marked Yes.
For Internet Explorer 6:
After you open the Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options from there. After that, opt for the tab marked Content. Under Personal Information, you will find Autocomplete that you need to choose. Finally, select Clear Forms and hit the button labeled Yes.
For Firefox:
After opening the Firefox browser, go to the Tools menu and select Options from there. Next, choose the tab marked Privacy and click Clear now. Check the box marked by Saved Form and Search History. Finally, click Clear Private Data Now to clear your search history.
Remember that not clearing the search history each time after you have browsed the Internet may endanger your employment, reputation, family ties, or even identity. You privacy could be at risk if such sensitive information and data lay stored into your PC. This is particularly a dangerous situation when the computer that you use is also used by others like your spouse, kids, boss, friends or colleagues. As these people may chance upon such confidential data that speak about your browsing habits, you may find yourself in uncomfortable situations. So, why take chances? Clear your search history every time you surf the Internet to protect your privacy and ensure that no one has access to your browsing habits.
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