By Joe Fino
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Is accessing the web from public computers at libraries, Internet cafes, airports, and copy shops safe? That depends on how you use them.

If you follow these steps you can help keep your personal and financial information private.

Don’t save your logon information.
If you are browsing secure sites that require a login, then always log out. You can do this by clicking the “log out” link on the site. It's not enough to simply close the browser window or type in another address.

Many programs (especially instant messenger) include automatic login features that will save your user name and password. Disable this option so no one can log in using your stored information.

Don’t leave the computer unattended with sensitive information on the screen.
If you have to step away from the public computer, log out of all programs and close all windows that might display sensitive information.

Erase your tracks.
Web browsers such as Internet Explorer keep a record of your passwords and every page you visit, even after you’ve closed them and logged out.

To disable the feature that stores passwords:
Before browsing the Web, turn off the Internet Explorer feature that “remembers” your passwords.

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.

2. Click the Content tab, and then click AutoComplete.

3. Click to clear both check boxes having to do with passwords.

Delete your temporary Internet files and your history.
When you finish your use of a public computer, you should delete all the temporary files (cache) and your Internet history.

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Internet Options.

2. On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files, and then click Delete Cookies.

3. Under History, click Clear History.