Online Privacy & Memory Eraser Software

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Buyer's guide - what to look for in Online Privacy & Memory Eraser software

As the title suggests, online privacy & memory eraser software provides two basic functions; to stop your private data being exposed by web based threats and to stop other users of your computer from viewing your activity.

We are conducting more and more of our private affairs through our computers. Every detail about of private life and finances could potentially be intercepted by third parties and we must now actively work to stop this from happening. Specific software to deal with online privacy and the data left behind by our activities is the answer.

When looking to keep your personal information private, look for the following:

• Privacy protection - While online the program should block attempts from the web to access private information. It should be explicitly stated by the vendor which types of activity are blocked.


• History cleaning - Most titles will clean the history from your browser, delete downloaded and cached files and remove entries from recent file lists. Look for programs that also clear media player lists, index.dat files and other places where a record may lurk. This cleaning should be fully customizable, so that you can choose whether or not each item is cleared.


• File removal - Deleting a file merely tags it as deleted within your operating system - but it is still present on your hard drive. Permenantly erasing files is essential if you are throwing away an old PC, and to do so you will need a memory eraser.


• Help and support - As with all software, sometimes you will require assistance. Whether it's a lost software key or software failure you should look for a responsive vendor. Comprehensive online help files or an active user forum are a must. Telephone or live-chat support are also recommended.

Choose a product that "shreds" files and folders (i.e. over-rights them multiple times). You may see references to the US Department of Defense DOD 5220.22-M and NSA clearing and sanitizing standards.

Some advanced features that you will only see on the higher end products include

• File and directory locking - useful for storing sensitive files


• False history creation - useful if you don't want other people to know that you?ve been removing history data from your machine

Most software titles in this category will offer a free trial and therefore would encourage you to try before you buy.