Internet browsers keep track of your file downloads as well as your web browsing history. It is good practice to erase this history regularly, both to protect your computer's health and to protect your privacy.
As you know, the more disk space taken up by files that have been downloaded, the less efficient computers and programs run. Therefore it is to your benefit to keep unneeded and unwanted files from taking up valuable space. Be aware that even if you haven't actually chosen (clicked on) to download a file, your browser is constantly downloading images and files to help itself run as efficiently as possible.
You also want to keep your browsing history private. You may be thinking "I have nothing to hide so why worry about it" and for the most part that's true. But just like having an unlisted phone number and spam filters on your email, your privacy is important and should be protected.
First your browsing history:
If you are using Internet Explorer:
Press -H to display the browser's History pane, right-click an individual day, week or domain and choose Delete to remove all of the pages. To erase all History entries at once choose Tools from the top navigation bar, Internet Options and click Clear History under the General tab.
If you are using Firefox:
Press -H to view the History list. Choose to sort the list chronologically or alphabetically in the View menu. You can delete your browsed sites individually by right-clicking the domain, date, or page you want to erase, and choose Delete. Click the red X to close the History pane.
To erase Firefox's entire record of your browsing at once, choose Tools, Options, Privacy, History, Clear Browser History Now. Click OK when you're finished. To clear the browser's history of your file downloads, press -J to open the Downloads window and click Clean Up.
Firefox clears the download history automatically if you choose Tools, Options, Privacy, Download History and select either Upon successful download or When Firefox exits in the drop-down menu next to "Remove files from the Download Manager".
Now your browser cache:
All browsers save the HTML files and images on the pages you visit in a browser cache so they can load the pages much faster the next time you visit. This also lets you view pages while offline. But the cache serves as a record of your web travels, too. These steps will delete the files in the cache and erase your browsing record.
Internet Explorer:
To select individual files to erase: Choose Tools, Internet Options and click the Settings button under the General tab. Select View Files to open a folder window showing what IE stored while you were browsing. Delete individual items there if you want.
To wipe the cache entirely: Click Tools from the top navigation bar, Internet Options, Delete Files under the General tab, check Delete all offline content and click OK twice.
Firefox:
There is no option for viewing individual files. Choose Tools, Options, Privacy, Cache, Clear Cache Now, OK.
The frequency these steps should be taken is a decision you have to make. If you are unconcerned about your privacy and your computer/browser is running at an acceptable speed you might only erase your browsing history once a week or once a month. If you are very concerned about your browsing privacy then a daily cleansing may be more appropriate
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