Privacy on the Internet is getting to be a pretty hot item these days.

Europe's privacy laws are forcing many U.S. website owners to redesign in order to accommodate foreign visitors; Double-click, the largest web page ad banner provider, has finally backed down somewhat to privacy demands; Microsoft had to remove "smart tags" (code in Internet Explorer that would have changed any website from it's original design to include ads from Microsoft's associates — effectively rewriting the website) from Windows XP before it's release due to an uproar against it; programs to erase or control "cookies" from PCs are getting to be very high on the download lists; and you almost weekly hear about some company being busted for invasion of privacy.

Why should you be worried about your privacy on the Internet?? It's not as if you're a criminal, after all ... and personal data is simply used for marketing right?

True enough. Marketing companies make LOTS of money on the data you leave behind — YOUR data that they did not pay for, but obtained by spying on you and entering your computer without your agreement.

Ok, so what can YOU do to keep your privacy?

#1 - Realize that you only have to give out the amount of personal data that YOU want to. When you are asked for information by a website, only answer the questions that are needed for you to get what you want from that website. Period.

#2 - Don't put your name or personal data in your computer. It is so-o easy to glean personal data from a computer on the Internet that has all its software registered with the owner's information that it is ridiculous. If you have the receipts, CDs and boxes for your software, then you legally own it. Your name does NOT need to be plastered all over your computer so that Internet marketing companies can get rich by spying on you.

#3 - Use programs such as "Cookie Crusher" and firewalls to allow only websites that YOU want to have the ability to get data from your computer.

#4 - Clean up your Internet files regularly (though for Internet Explorer this does not actually occur completely without adjustments.)

#5 - Every browser has some security settings that can be fiddled with to increase your privacy. Research these and try them out one at a time — if your favorite websites fail, undo that one.

Remember, your data is YOUR data! Keep what you want, give away the rest. And be assured that "the rest" WILL be sold.

If you would like assistance cleaning personal data from and securing your
computers, call us!

Cheers!
The Editor
Aleutian Computer Solutions Computer Networking News
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