I've heard that using the virtual keyboard on public computers will limit the risk of keystroke counters. Is it easy to pull up the virtual keyboard in Italian Internet Cafe's? Also how difficult is it to clear your cache before you leave?
Posted by
in a train schedule...
267 posts
I don't know about the virtual keyboard, but clearing the cache is pretty easy.
In Internet Explorer 7, open the Tools menu (Gear icon) and click Internet Options. On the General tab, click Delete Files under Temporary Internet Files. In the Delete Files dialog box, click to select the Delete all offline content check box , and then click OK.
In Mozilla Firefox 2, choose Tools and then Clear Private Data. In the Clear Private Data window that appears, uncheck all checkboxes except for the Cache checkbox. Click OK.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
368 posts
There is an on screen keyboard in Windows, and this article tells you how to open it in XP.
http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsxp/usingkeyboard.aspx
Can't test it for you, as I am on my MacBook. :-)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
But if a spyware or snooper program is running, that will not defeat it. It does prevent someone from coming along behind you and seeing what you have been doing.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
It depends if the internet caffe will allow you to do that. They might set up retrictions on their computers.
I usually change my password when I get back home if I use Internet cafees.
The cache is not hard to clear, but make sure you log off from whatever web site you use when you are done.
Also even if you clear the cache, all the web pages that you visit will still stay in a file called index that you will not be able to delete. However the passwords are not stored in that file. So if they want to, they can see where on line you went to, what searches you did etc.I don't know if this is your concern or just sensitive info such passwords and account numbers.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
180 posts
The onscreen keyboard will defeat some keyloggers, but no clearing of caches or history will help since that's not how they operate.
Bottom line with any public computer is to be aware that your information might be exposed. Use email accounts specifically for your trip (forward your regular ones to it if necessary) and then delete the account when you are done.
If you must do banking, try to find a computer that is public but owned by the government - such as at a library. While they are not necessarily secure, they do present a slightly less risk.
Pete