Advantages of Deleting/Erasing Your Internet Browsing History

A browsing history is a record of an internet user's visited websites, downloaded files, saved passwords, saved internet files, cookies and more. There are good reasons for having a browsing history such as:

- Faster page loading: Browsers store internet files of previously visited sites in a cache. This reduces the amount of time it takes to load often-visited pages as the browser simply re-uses data in its cache.

- Reminders: A cookie placed on a visitor's computer by a website allows the website to remember the user's preferences next time he or she visits. Cookies allow you to configure a customizable web page and have it appear that way each time you visit the website.

Despite the above reasons for having a browsing history, there are a lot of reasons why deleting the browsing history on your internet browser is a good idea.

Why You Should Delete Your Browsing History

Note: Some of these reasons below may not appeal to all readers but they are still valid reasons why you should clear browsing history from your computer.

Generally

- If your computer were to be stolen or hacked into, the criminal will have access to a lot of information about you and your habits. If you have authenticated login sessions on secure sites or saved passwords, the miscreant will be able to wreak havoc on your web accounts.

- Cookies can be used to track your internet usage and this may used by companies who will then target you with advertising based on the information gleaned from these stats.

At Home

Parents and Adults:

- Your work may require you to visit websites that may not be suitable for your spouse or children.

- Your work may also require a level of secrecy which your browsing history can compromise.

- If you have a predilection for visiting gambling or adult sites, deleting your browsing history may be the only way to prevent your spouse from finding out or your children from learning the habit.

- If you are cheating on a spouse or partner using the internet, deleting your browsing history is a must if you want to avoid getting caught.

- You may need to keep your online information away from a troublesome/problem child or a vindictive spouse/partner.

Children:

If you must visit those gaming, social networking or adult websites that you are not allowed to access, then you must learn to delete your browsing history to prevent detection.

At Work

A lot of companies discourage workers from using the internet other than for official business purposes; you may work for one of these companies. If your company is one that does not actively restrict or monitor the websites you visit during work hours or if you can bypass any restrictions, clearing your browsing history is a way to avoid detection.

Public and Shared Computers

- If you access the internet using a computer in public places like libraries and internet cafés, the next person who uses the computer will be able to view the sites you have visited if you do not clear your history. It is especially important to clear your browsing history if you use such computers to carry out activities like online banking or shopping.

- If you use a friend/colleague's computer to log on to the internet, you may not want them to know which websites you have visited or what activities you have engaged in.