There are hundreds of ways to record everything you do on the computer and what you access on the internet. Your abuser does not have to be a computer programmer or have special skills to track your internet and computer usage.  It is not possible to delete or clear all computer "footprints". Erasing or deleting files could also alert your abuser and possibly increase your danger.

If you think your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Use a computer at a public library, coffee shop, or at a trusted friend’s house to access resources and information.

Quick Tips:

• Use a web-based email service like Yahoo or Hotmail.
• Choose passwords that are not easy to guess and change passwords often. Do not let your computer save your passwords.
• Keep your files on a removable disk and put passwords on them to deter access.
• Any indication of leaving your situation could put you in danger. If you are planning to leave, avoid using a home computer or any computer an abuser has physical or remote access to view sites that may give your abuser information about your new location.  For example, if you are planning to move to California, don’t look up information about jobs, apartments or transportation to California. 
• If you receive harassing emails, save them as evidence.