Commonly defined as a private mode or incognito mode, it is a feature some web browsers have that allow the user to disable browsing history and web cache. Simply put, it allows a user to browse the web while not storing local data that is normally retrievable later.
The world wide web is an expansive, infinite resource of information, and it's quite dependent on one thing: You.
When you open your browser and visit websites there is a lot of information that is provided to that company, and for the most part, unknowingly. There are a lot of moving parts when browsing is going on. Generally, your browser retains the following information:
Using private browsing prevents the aforementioned items from being retained by your browser. The most common web browsers have private browsing: IE9, IE10, IE11, Firefox, Chrome and Safari. Here are the descriptions of each browser that is offered on their latest versions:
Internet Explorer - ‘InPrivate’
Open Internet Explorer and hold Ctrl + Shift + P and a private window will open.
Google Chrome - ‘Incognito Window’.
Open Chrome and hold Ctrl + Shift + N
(Hold Command key + Shift + N for Mac)
Firefox - ‘New Private Window’ or ‘Privacy Mode’
Open Firefox and hold Ctrl + Shift + P
(Hold Command key + Shift + N for Mac)
Safari - ‘Private Browsing Mode’ (available on Macbook, iPad and iPhone)
Open Safari and hold Command key + Shift + N
On iPad, iPhone open Safari and press the tabs icon and then click ‘Private’. (Turn off private browsing by tapping the Private icon again.)
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There are some important things to remember when using private browsing:
You will still be tracked. Things like cookies and browsing history are cleared when you close the window, but this does not hide your IP (Internet Protocol) address and logins. Search engines will remember what you have searched for. Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can still see what you’re looking at. Advertisers can still build profiles based on your behaviors.
Last, this information can still be requested by the government which effectively negates any private browsing you may or may not do. Surf safe and surf smart out there.
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