Being careful is always on one's mind.  While always careful to delete browser history and erase e-mails, there is always a potential for residual data left behind.  Any one with sophisticated thoughts on how to clean ones behind??

to use a hobby computer of your own or in a public place and reformat the hard disk of your computer every few weeks. You might cleanup browser cash, cookies, and surfing history manually or using built in/commercial tools but I don't think they would wipe off all data.

You can search for a freeware in www.download.com. I think another approach would be to encrypt the whole directory where your browser puts in the cashed pages, history and other temporary files. This way they would be visible to others but no one would would be able to review them without your password.

I think what you're doing is fine.  Yes, some traces will be left behind, but unless someone is willing to pay hundreds of dollars to deep scan your hard drive, you should be okay.

If you want to be completely secure, backup your data and re-format your drive.

the real answer is you can never clean up enough to prevent someone that is really determined from tracing your activity. Take it from one who knows first hand. Either resign yourself to getting caught at some point, or stop altogether. Have you thought about the money factor? I assume you are talking about a wife. Mine tracked down all my expenditures, even those on a credit card she knew nothing about. She called websites, she called credit card companies, and they all gave me up. Expect no privacy.

YOU PICKED HER !!!!!!!!!!!!!1

If not, go rent it and see how Arnold deals with doing away with pesky computer chips in the final scene.

Hopefully, you live close to a steel mill.

-- Modified on 4/28/2007 6:55:44 PM

the point to remember is anyone with determination can find out whatever they want. I told you she called hotels, credit card companies, Hotmail, etc, and they all told her whatever she wanted to know. She never ran into anyone that told her they weren't allowed to give her information.

How does someone check on and anonymous email accound, assuming the hobbiest was smart enough to use a fake name and other info?  

I would recommend buying a spyware package, and anti spyware package, that will record all activity on your computer.  You can keep tabs on anyone snooping on your computer.  If you clear your registers and someone goes snooping then you have a chance to reformat your HD before they dig any deeper.

In your case, even burning down the computer wouldn't have been enough.  So, what made her suspect in the first place?

it must have been the constant smile on my face.