All of the major players in the web browser category come with a feature called “Incognito Mode” or “Private Mode”.
What is Incognito?
Privacy mode or “private browsing” or “incognito mode” is a privacy feature in some web browsers to disable browsing history and the web cache. This allows a person to browse the Web without storing local data that could be retrieved at a later date.
It hides all the web activities of one user on a single, shared personal computer by automatically deleting all the browsing history, search history and all cookies at the end of the session.
Okay. But what is its use?
It is a common misconception that Incognito Mode is only useful for people to hide their online activities while viewing adult content. But there are actually many practical uses of Incognito mode which are surely not embarrassing.
Sounds good. But how do I use Incognito mode in my web browser?
It’s pretty easy. In most modern web browsers, click on “File” in the top menu bar to open a dropdown menu. There will be an option named “New Private Window”. Click that to open a new browser window in Incognito mode.
There are also keyboard shortcuts to open Incognito mode in most web browsers.
For Google Chrome: (Press CTRL(command) + SHIFT + N) or (ALT + F Then press I) to access Incognito Mode
For Mozilla Firefox: (Press CTRL(command) + SHIFT + P) or (ALT + F Then press W) to access Private Browsing
For Internet Explorer: (Press CTRL(command) + SHIFT + P) or (ALT + T + I) to access inPrivate Browsing
NOTE: You can use incognito mode in major mobile web browser applications also. To turn on incognito browsing, simply visit your mobile browser’s “Settings” page.
Cool. I will start browsing privately!
But wait a minute! Incognito mode doesn’t mean complete privacy!
Yes, it does hide you web activities from other users on the same shared personal computer but it doesn’t hide your activities from everyone else in the internet.
Private Browsing doesn’t make you anonymous on the Internet. Your Internet service provider, employer, or the sites themselves can still track what pages you visit. Private Browsing also doesn’t protect you from keyloggers or spyware that may be installed on your computer.
So even though YOU can’t see your web activity….
…..the rest of the internet can!
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