Cleaning out your Cache, History, and Cookies:

Periodically I clean out my cache, history, and cookies, and even all images that get downloaded to my computer while I'm on Internet. Why? For one thing, they take up precious space and resources.

There are several programs on Internet that you can purchase to clean up and delete all this for you, but after speaking with my tech person, John Guldi, I decided NOT to purchase one. Why? John explained that these types of programs not only take up space and resources but also can actually be damaging and possibly delete things you don't want deleted.

So again, it's just a matter of knowing how to clean up and get rid of these, and adding these procedures to your computer maintenance schedule.

The following instructions are for browser I use, Microsoft Internet Explorer; however, same tasks can be accomplished in other browsers with almost same steps and wording. Just click around or read your help section.

Empty your Cache and History:

Your computer has two folders, Cache (sometimes called Temp. Internet) and History, that while surfing Internet, stores pages and links to all pages you’ve viewed. They are stored automatically for you for quick viewing or retrieval if you go back to visit at a later time, meaning, page will load a little faster for you when you return.

Instructions to EMPTY:

While on Internet, in your browser, click on TOOLS at top of your screen. Scroll down to INTERNET OPTIONS and click.

You will be presented with several "TABS" in new window. Click on GENERAL.

See TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES, also known as CACHE. You have two options here: Delete Files and Settings. Click DELETE FILES.

Now, see HISTORY? You have two options: You can set how many days you want those pages stored and emptied automatically, and CLEAR HISTORY; click this one.

Deleting COOKIES:

Cookies are stored on you computer, and used by some sites you visit to identify you, and may be used to track your browsing or surfing habits.

Click Start (Usually located on left bottom of your screen). Place Pointer on FIND and move Pointer to Files or Folders and Click. Make sure C Drive is selected in LOOK IN, and in NAMED type in Cookies and click FIND NOW.

One Cookie Folder should be found, but don't worry if you have more then one, I do. Click on folder to open, and now you can start deleting those cookies that follow you around. Click on Edit, Click Select All and then hit your DELETE key on your keyboard.

Protecting and securing your computer can be controlled stopped by just spending a few dollars a year, and scheduling computer maintenance time.

Firewalls and a virus protector run about $39.95 and up. That's not a lot of money to put out to protect your data, your computer, your business, and your "life!" For a few pennies a day, I urge you to go get some protection today.

I use McAfee, totted as number one virus scanner and easy to use http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=LKr8bB0tbn0&offerid=13772.3&type=1&subid=0

I use an inexpensive firewall from Zone Labs. Click Here to Purchase Award-Winning ZoneAlarm Pro! at: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=C4JBFOz6688&offerid=26986.10000001&type=1&subid=0

***** The Organizing Wizard, Janet L. Hall, is a Professional Organizer, Speaker, and Author. She is owner of OverHall Consulting, and Organizing By Phone. Subscribe to her FREE organizing newsletter at http://www.overhall.com/newsletter.htm or visit her web site at http://www.overhall.com

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Okay, now you also have to understand that your browser automatically comes with a number of security certificates, including one from Verisign. Thus, when you visit my secure site my certificate is retrieved. The browser sees that my certificate was granted by Verisign, and checks it's own certificates and finds Verisign. The browser then grants access to secure web page, since it has "proof" that I am who I say I am. This means that a secure channel is now set up so browser can talk to web site (and vice versa) without fear of someone listening in on conversation.

So in other words, Verisign is simply a trusted organization which verifies that people (and companies) are who they say they are.

Remember purpose of security certificates is merely to provide a means whereby you can trust entities (companies and people) on internet. A security certificate does not in any way imply a web site is "good", will protect your privacy or will deliver your products.

Let me stress that again - security certificates so not imply anything about a web site except that it is what it says it is. They DO NOT mean site is trustworthy or valuable.