What this article covers
How to protect yourself when browsing the internet. By clearing out the browser history, cache, and cookies regularly, you protect yourself from experiencing issues when accessing websites, providing peace of mind that your information is also private.
In this article, the following will be covered:
- The difference between browser history, cache, and cookies
- The importance of clearing browser history, cache, and cookies
- How often to clear the browser cache and cookies
- How to clear your browser cache
- Additional security and privacy protection considerations
The difference between browser history, cache, and cookies
The importance of clearing browser history, cache, and cookies
It's important to clear browser history, cache, and cookies because it:
- prevents you from using old forms,
- protects your personal information,
- helps various applications run better on your computer, and
- reduces websites' ability to track you across different sites.
When you update an application, your browser may still use old files. These old files can also cause display or access problems when browsing online.
How often to clear the browser cache and cookies
Depending on your privacy preference, you have options:
How to clear your browser cache
Please access the Clear Your Browser Cache Knowledge Base article to learn more.
Additional security and privacy protection considerations
For added security and privacy protection consider:
- A password manager such as LastPass or 1Password, to help store, generate, and manage passwords for local applications and online services.
- A browser that prevents tracking such as Brave instead of Chrome, to block ads and website trackers for a private browsing experience.
- A browser plugin that prevents tracking such as Privacy Badger for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera to block ads and website trackers.
The bottom line when it comes to protecting yourself while browsing the Internet is that it's always safe to lean on the side of extra caution. Clearing out your cache and cookies regularly will help increase your privacy. Always install the latest browser.
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