Internet Privacy

[Dedicated Mind]

cookies are the way companies track user activity and create profiles based on browsing history. when you visit a website, the website will deposit a cookie in your browser and use that cookie to collect data, track your browsing history in the future and create a profile. browsers can block cookies but if you set your browser to block, you will not be able to visit most websites. the best way to visit websites and protect your privacy is to set your browser to delete cookies upon closing firefox. then close and open your browser after every website visit. why firefox? there is a new cookie called LSO, local shared object that is also called a flash cookie. these are stored in your app data on your computer. LSO's evade being deleted when you delete your http cookies, but function the same way. firefox has an addon to delete LSO's called "better privacy". install better privacy then go to addons, better privacy options, options & help and uncheck "prevent firefox from treating LSO as regular cookie." this will delete your flash cookies just like http cookies on browser exit.

I also found IXquick to be the most private search engine. they are based in netherlands and do not collect user data. their sister search engine "start page" deposits a google cookie if you use it, but ixquick does not deposit cookies on usage. If you check your cookies and LSO folder everytime you visit a website, you will find out which websites are depositing cookies. I found that google and yahoo deposit cookies even when you visit other websites. so if you do not want to put an individual block, then delete upon closing firefox and close after visiting each website and use ixquick as your search engine. comments, suggestions???

[Dedicated Mind]

if you delete cookies upon exit of browser you will have to login to websites every time you delete cookies so be sure to save form data in your browser. you can also check "delete default lso" in better privacy options or you will receive a default flash cookie every time you open browser.

[Rose]

I love these Internet tips...now, if I can only follow the instructions! Will this also work on safari browser (ipad)?

[Dedicated Mind]

Originally Posted by Rose

I love these Internet tips...now, if I can only follow the instructions! Will this also work on safari browser (ipad)?

you will have to check browser "options" to see how to handle cookies. not sure if firefox has an ipad compatible browser. the only problem is that your browser can track you independent of website cookies. I am still not sure which browser is the most private but some websites have recommended firefox because it is independent of a search engine and has addons to supplement. safari would be linked with a major corp. that is the disadvantage.

[Dedicated Mind]

i just checked the internet safari ipad does not support firefox. using apple puts you at the mercy of apple. check your safari options. you might be able to prevent website companies from tracking you but not apple.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

if you delete cookies upon exit of browser you will have to login to websites every time you delete cookies so be sure to save form data in your browser. you can also check "delete default lso" in better privacy options or you will receive a default flash cookie every time you open browser.

What does "save form data in your browser" mean or how do I do that also?

[Dedicated Mind]

Originally Posted by Rose

What does "save form data in your browser" mean or how do I do that also?

"save form data" means the browser will remember your name, email, adress and passwords everytime you log in to a website so that you will not have to fill in forms everytime. firefox has this as an option under options/privacy. you will have to look for it in safari. i just discovered avant browser that states they only share info on a specific basis. everyone needs to read their browser's privacy policy. avant is the best so far. not sure if avant handles flash cookies. firefox shares ip adresses and other nonpersonal info with the websites you visit.

[Pressing-On]

I was searching for something like this - Better Privacy. Thanks, DM.

[JamDat]

startpage.com

[Dedicated Mind]

Originally Posted by JamDat

startpage.com

start page is ixquick sister page run by the same company. ixquick returns the top 10 results from several search engines and does not deposit cookies when you use it. start page returns google results when you search but it deposits a google cookie in your browser when you use. just use start page and check your cookie folder to see for yourself.