Tips and Tricks for Online Privacy

Don't shed out personal detail such as your email address, and other contact information. Well, you might not do this intentionally, but your web browsers might not be configured to protect your personal information. To setup anonymous web browsing, you can go to the setup page (sometimes this is under the preferences/edit option) and ensure that there is no identifiable information stored. Aside from your browser, make sure that all "internet defaults" of your other programs are anonymized.

Your browser can also give away other information about you. Sometimes your IP address can be tied to your identity, hence the need to use proxy, especially when you are browsing the internet in school or anywhere else outside your home.

As an internet user, you need to learn about home computer security. If your computer is turned on for the whole day, you need to install a filter such as a firewall or in order to increase your security. Or better yet, turn off your computer when you're not using it.

Some people will suggest that you install an email filter on your computer in order to screen out spam. In case some of these junk mails are not filtered out, keep in mind never to reply to these spammers, not for any reason. If you do, you will only confirm that your address is real and is read by a real person - the perfect ticket to all spammer's list. Also, make sure that your email does not send a return receipt or an automatic reply.

When you are emailing to unknown parties, posting to community discussions, chatrooms and other public spaces on the internet, use a "clean" email address. Some email providers offer email aliases. This is a good idea so you don't have to keep changing your email just so you can get rid of spam.

Of course, there are also privacy enhancing software available today. These are perfect for people who are new to technology and would need automatic protection when browsing online. Some of the most popular software today are firewalls, cookie removers, encrypted emails, and antispyware tools.