Even without cookies, a browser leaves a trail of crumbs

[Kadri]

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/01/even-without-cookies-a-browser-leaves-a-trail-of-crumbs.ars

One more thing to be paranoid 

Kadri.

[matrix2003]

I saw what you did there.

[Kadri]

You ain't better then me !

LOL 

Kadri.

[Henry Blewer]

Just don't let your girlfriends find out how to do this sort of tracking.

[PG]

lol. Well I  ran it but tbh with the info it shows that is available I'm not really that bothered. They can look at the plugins I use and what timezone I'm in. I knew that, that's how microsoft knows what updates I've done and that I've got the UK and how adobe's website can tell whether I have flash 10, not gonna make me run out and change my pin. Some of these internet security people are just plain paranoid.

[dandelO]

Here's my result:

''Your browser fingerprint appears to be unique among the 337,922 tested so far.

Currently, we estimate that your browser has a fingerprint that conveys at least 18.37 bits of identifying information.''

Recently I've changed my browser, for pretty much the reasons described in this post. I used to use Firefox, thought that it was the bee'z knees... Until they released FF3. FF2.xx was excellent.
Notice now that(using FF3) you cannot remove your own browsing history, visited websites, etc, etc, etc. Even clearing ALL private data in FF now, still leaves all your visited links purple. That isn't cleared, is it?

I personally don't have anything to worry about really, not as if I'm planning to overthrow the government, run a terrorist network, burn a Christian monument, sell Taiwanese children to beasts, or any other such similar activities. But just having the option there to remove your private data, when it SAYS you're doing so but it actually DOESN'T, isn't something I put any trust in from a company anymore.

Mozilla, you f*cking disappoint me!

[Henry Blewer]

Try Advanced System Care from IOBit. It erases the history and visited links, can clear cookies, etc;. I have found it to be very good and unobtrusive.

[Dune]

I use Opera, which is quite good IMHO, also at clearing data. And I used to find where they stock their data by hand and empty those folders regularly through a desktop shortcut I made. 

[CCC]

I can recommend Advanced System Care as well. It is great!

[mr-miley]

We all know about this anyway... don't we? I always take the maximum precautions whilst browsing, I disconnect my PC from the outside world, and wrap my head in tin foil.... they're not getting any info from MY head with their newfangled mind probes!!!!!!!! As an added precaution, I browse with my feet in a bowl full of washing up liquid and wear rubber gloves. To complete my covert browsing setup I blindfold myself and wear ear plugs..... doesn't make for a very satisfying browsing experience, but it stops them getting their filthy hands on any of my data......

*wanders away muttering about the NSA, Aliens, the Kenedy assassination and anal probes carrying a plackard pronouncing the end of the world is nigh.....*