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Private data refers to the sensitive information saved on a system using web browsers. It is important to keep this data clear to prevent any information from landing in the hands of a hacker. The "private data" includes:

Browsing History:

This is a detailed look at all of the websites a person has visited since the last time the private data was cleared.

Download History:

With the browsing history comes the list of files that have been downloaded since the last time the list was cleared.

Saved Form and Search History:

If you have prompted Firefox to save any data entered into forms or search boxes, this data will be available for other computer users to see until it is cleared.

Cache:

This is the temporary storage place for files and media you've downloaded from the web.

Cookies:

These are small files saved on your computer by websites you visit, to remember preferences and passwords when you visit again. Any "Remember Me" option is using a cookie to "remember" you.

Offline Website Data:

This is any information websites have stored on your computer for use without an active Internet connection.

Saved Passwords:

This is a list of any user names and passwords you have directed Firefox or IE to remember.

Authenticated Sessions:

This keeps you logged into secure websites that have used the saved passwords to login.

Clearing private data is fairly simple although it varies slightly from browser to browser.

Clearing Private Data in Firefox

Open Firefox. Go to Tools > Clear Private Data. A window like the one in the photo will display on screen. Choose the options you want to clear and click Clear Private Data Now. If you decide you do not want to clear any private data, click Cancel.

You can set Firefox to clear private data each time the browser window is closed. To do this, go to Tools > Options. From this window, click Privacy. You should see something that looks like this:

Make sure the Always clear my private data when I close Firefox option is checked. Clicking the Settings option will bring you to the Clear Private Data screen, where you can choose what you want it to clear each time. Click OK to save the changes. You've now cleared private data and have taken a step to protect yourself while online.

Clearing Private Data in Internet Explorer 7

1. Open a browser window.
2. Click Tools.
3. Select Delete Browsing History.
4. You'll see a screen that looks like this:
5. Delete each one individually, or click Delete all... to delete all the files at once.

Clearing Private Data in Internet Explorer 8

1. Open a browser window.
2. Click Tools.
3. Select Delete Browsing History.
4. You'll see a screen that looks like this:
5. Click to check the boxes of everything you want to delete.