Every major web browser - Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Opera - has private, or incognito, browsing. Turning this feature on means your browser will ignore cookies - including ad-tracking cookies - and won't record your browsing history. It's almost like you weren't online.
To fire up private browsing, just hit CTRL+SHIFT+P (CTRL+OPTION+P on Macs). This works in every browser except Chrome. In Chrome, the shortcut is CTRL+SHIFT+N (OPTION+SHIFT+N on Macs). You can also enable private browsing mode from your browser's main menu.
When your browser is in private browsing mode, it will show a special icon. If you don't see the mask in Firefox, the spy in Chrome or the "InPrivate" in IE and Edge, then you aren't secure.
Private browsing will keep your browsing safe from casual snoopers. Someone who jumps on your computer won't see where you've been.
A more dedicated snooper might be able to find out by looking at your browser cache. This can still keep images and code from sites you visit. A program like CCleaner can wipe this information for you.
Next page: Stop snoopers who aren't on your computer
