Privacy Concern With Whom?

I noticed that Microsoft's new Anit-Spyware program has a Track Eraser option which is considered a Privacy Tool. Okay, I have a question which might appear to be a stupid one. I understand the concept of "cookies" and I understand that if someone else uses your computer, they can check your history and cache files and look at the web sites that you've been to, however, are there any other reasons why a person should be concerned about their internet privacy? Besides spyware abuse, do sites or forums that you visit have the ability to see the sites that you have visited other than the site you visited before going to that site, and the site you visited after leaving that site, which that site's cookie allows it to?

 

Not really, only tracking cookies and spyware can do that.

 

Okay, so then the main people we would be concerned about as far as clearing your history and cache files would be someone who uses your computer?

 

Also, I think that this thread is in the wrong section. I just noticed that there a Spyware Specific forum.

 

That must be one hell of porno site you visited! lol

If you are really worried about someone who has access to your computer checking which sites you have visited, then clearing out history and internet cache doesn't remove all traces.

It will though stop all but the most determined or informed individual.

Basically, someone either has to have physical access to your drive, or install something that gives them that access in the form of keyloggers and spyware etc.

 

Insomniac, why do you assume that I've been to a porn site? I'm just wondering, do most people who come to this forum who have problems with spyware and viruses and such, have them because of visiting porn sites?

 

Simply, because I go to them.

Well yes and no, it's a bit too simplistic.

It's really a combination of visiting porn or warez sites, P2P downloading, installing dodgy programs and not having decent security.

Even just basic surfing can get you into trouble, so you always need security and antivirus programs installed, regardless of where you surf or what you do.

And that also includes all the porn sites we know you go to.

 

Insomniac, your comments have left me speechless.