Keyword Privacy

Where are search engine keywords stored?

[fishwick]

I've noted that one source of privacy violation
is in keywords for search engines. Removing
all cookies does not remove the keywords, which
appear to be stored somewhere else (anyone have
any clues?).

For example, go to www.netscape.com and use
their search engine. After a few searches,
you will not that Netscape is storing your
keywords somewhere so that when you type a
new one, it can do "keyword completion"

This can cause havoc on multi-user computers
where keywords can divulge sensitive or
unwanted information to other users.

Any ideas on what file(s) to delete to get rid
of these keyword storage files? I am surprised
that Internet Explorer (the web browser I am
using-- 5.5) permits storage of information in
someplace other than a cookie. Very tricky ;)

-paul

[alexjc]

This has nothing to do with cookies... the site is not sending anything back. It's the browser that's doing something clever (or at least trying to ;)

Try clearing your history.

Alex

PS: this thread should be in the browser section rather than keyword discussion

[msgraph]

Searching for something you don't want your co-workers to see? hehe

In IE 5.x go the menu bar...

Tools --> Internet Options --> Content (tab)

Click on the AutoComplete.... button

Uncheck whatever you do not want saved.

There is a button to clear the existing stuff as well.

If you don't want to clear it all or disable anything then go to the search engine you want to clear the keywords from.

Double click on the search text box. Put your mouse over the keyword drop down box that will appear and press the DEL key on the words you want to remove.

Not sure about Netscape(the browser) but I believe there is a "clear location bar" button in the preferences section.

But you can download a demo of of this [download.cnet.com] and it will wipe it all clean. It will expire after 30 days if you do not purchase it but you can clear what you want before then.