Almost 50% of Americans now use the internet regularly! The internet is a great source of useful information and fun facts, provides an easy way to shop or make travel reservations, and keep in touch via email. Many people use computers to write letters, reports, or business presentations. Most of them never think about computer privacy.

Unfortunately, computers store information for easy access, making computer privacy a real issue. Windows automatically stores many things, including a history of websites that you have visited, documents you have recently accessed, and "cookies", which can include stored password information. Anyone who sits down at your computer can trace your activities, and might read information which is not meant for their eyes. Internet hackers can install spyware which provides them with information they can use to break into your computer, or even steal your identity! What's more, all those stored files take up a lot of space. The more files you store, the slower your computer gets.