Firefox and Public Computers
Jul 9

Firefox and Public Computers

Here’s an exercise in the obvious, but it’s something I just realized — using Firefox is great on public computers because of its privacy management.

I’m traveling right now, and the computer in the hotel where I’m staying has Firefox installed (I didn’t install it, I swear — the was here when I got here). I’m usually really nervous about checking my email and logging into various accounts from a public computer because of their tendency to retain information.

But, with Firefox, you just go Tools > Options > Clear All just before you walk away. Then, every day I’ve used this computer, I’m pleased to have to manually type every URL, every username, every password, because it has absolutely no memory of what I did on it the day before.

Again, this isn’t earth-shaking news, but I just realized it in the last couple of days.

by Deane   July 9, 2005 11:03 AM    |   Follow Gadgetopia on Twitter   |  Tags:  Firefox

Comments

by Peter,   July 9, 2005 1:24 PM  

Just like what I do with our computers at school. I had to install Firefox there, though ;-)

by MSC,   July 9, 2005 8:33 PM  

Howzabout the old "Portable Firefox on a USB Stick" ?

by ,   July 9, 2005 10:38 PM  

One word...

Keyloggers

Seriously. Just because firefox is installed, why would you trust the PC?

by Dave,   July 10, 2005 2:47 AM  

Safari in OS X does the same thing; a menu item will reset everything... clears the history, empties the cache, clears the Downloads window, and removes all cookies. It even closes all open windows and opens a new one.

It doesn't look like Firefox or Firebird on OS X will do that trick though.

by Joe,   July 10, 2005 9:23 AM  
"Howzabout the old “Portable Firefox on a USB Stick” ?

Funny thing is, he has that in his wallet. He just forgets it's there.

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