T-Structables: How to Secretly Use a Computer

In this Instructable, I will teach you how to use a computer, and leave no evidence that you were ever even on in the first place! By the end of this Instructables, you'll be an expert at secret computer browsing!

Step 1 Internet Browsing

If you plan on using an Internet on the computer you on, your going to need to cover up the evidence. In order to cover the evidence, you need to:

1. Erase all Internet browsing history
2. Clear Google search history
3. Take care of downloaded files (Next Step)

Erase all Internet browsing history

To wipe the history, go to Tools > Internet Options. A new window should pop up. Click the "Delete..." button. Another window should pop up. Click the "Delete History..." button. Now sit back and watch the magic!

Clear Google search history

!!WARNING!! This step can only be done if the computer has the Google tool bar installed. If it doesn't, I recommend not using Google, because it saves your searches.

To clear the Google search history, goto your Google search tool bar and click the little down-arrow. Then click "Click History". You're Done! (Well, with this step at least)

Comments

[RedFlash]

On step 1's picture, you have been using bosskey haven't you... You need to make sure that no help tips are showing up before you switch otherwise it'll leave a mark...

[CameronSS]

You have left traces all over that computer.

For starters, everything that you deleted is still there. All that happens when you click "Empty Recycle Bin" is that the file is deleted from the file directory, so the computer no longer knows where on the hard disk platter the data is stored. Unless you use some sort of file shredder, all of the file data will remain on the hard drive until it is overwritten at some point in the future. A free program like Pandora Recovery is enough to recover most recently deleted files.

Secondly, you have done nothing about all of the temporary files that you created while browsing. They all remain on the hard drive as a record of what your browser displayed during your Internet session.

While this will prevent people from noticing that someone has been on the computer at a glance, that's about as far as it goes.

[T-Structables]

Your average Joe isn't just "by chance" going to download Pandora Recovery right after you went on to check the files. I see your point though.

[RedFlash]

He does have a point with the temp folder. You could improve the delete method by using Shift + Delete. That deletes files PERMANENTLY and once done, cannot be undone

[stone3408]

This really is only useful to keep your mom and dad from finding out that your looking at scandalous type stuff (if you keep doing that you will go blind). A live linux cd is by far a better option if your seriuos about leaving no tracks.

[T-Structables]

I meant just to give a guide for an on-the-go cover up. I know I may have left some things out, but those may not be as noticeable to someone who is an average computer viewer. The things in this Instructable are only the most obvious to the average computer viewer. I do agree that a Linux CD or boot drive is a much better way to hide your work though. But like I said earlier, this is just an on-the-go guide.

[jakee117]

(if you keep doing that you will go blind)

lol

[Hands Without Shadows]

I think a missing history would be more noticable then a few extra web page entries. Leave the mouse, keyboard,desk, and chair in the same location as you found them.

[T-Structables]

If you leave the history, there still is a chance they'll find it. Also, if clear it all, how would they know it was you that cleared it?

[Rockerx]

Don't forget to run Ccleaner to get rid of all the "extras" that come with deleting a file...

[flawd]

The only bad thing about this is that you erase the tracks from even before you were at the computer. If someone was suspicious they could notice that quite easily. The only way to REALLY hide your tracks would be to boot to a Linux live CD to do your dirty work :)

[Karel Jansens]

That, or a bootable Linux USB stick. If you pick a >=2GB one, there's even room to download some files.

http://www.pendrivelinux.com/