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Covering you tracks online

You may not wish your children to be aware of many of the sites you’re visiting concerning issues they are experiencing. We all know that teenagers are notoriously sensitive and often it would not help the situation if your child was aware you were turning to websites for help with them.

Alternative computers you could use:

• Work computers
• Public libraries
• Cyber cafes

If you can’t use a friends machine, or borrow a laptop, then try using one at work. If there is no Internet access at work, go and see your personnel officer or human resources department and explain that you need private access to the Internet. Most companies will do all they can to help and will keep the matter in the strictest of confidence.

You can never totally erase your tracks as computers often store information in several different places, so:

If in doubt, don’t use your home computer.

Listed below are a few excellent sites which list the various operating systems and tell you how to delete internet history from your computer memory, this will depend on the web system you use:

• The Microsoft website has a comprehensive help section.
• The Women’s Aid website, has a "Cover your tracks" section
• www.hiddenhurt.co.uk (On this site the section is accessed via the sitemap link shown on the left of the main page.)

Alternatives to the home computer

Below is a list of libraries where you can access the internet confidentially:

Biggleswade Library (Free Internet)

Situated in Chestnut Avenue, Biggleswade, a five minute walk from the town centre and the bus or railway station.

Tel: 0300 300 8055 (Opening hours. Mon-Weds 09.30 - 18.00, Thurs closed all day, Fri 09.30 - 1800, Sat 09.30 - 16.00, Sun closed all day.)

Shefford Library (Free Internet)

Situated in the High Street, next to the Parish church in the town centre, adjacent to Morrison's supermarket.

Tel: 0300 300 8067 (Opening hours Tues, Thurs & Fri 09.30 - 18.00. Mon & Weds 14.00 - 18.00, Sat 09.30 - 13.00. Sun closed all day.

Arlesey Library (Pay Internet £1 per half hour. £2 per one hour or more)

Situated in the High Street, adjacent to Gothic Mead Lower School and Arlesey Youth Centre.

Tel: 01462 731469 (Opening hours Mon closed, Tues & Thurs 13.00 - 17.30, Weds 08.30 - 12.00, Fri 10.00 - 12.00, Sat 10.00 - 13.00. Sun closed.)

Stotfold Library. (Free Internet Access)

Situated in Hitchin Road.

Tel: 0300 300 8068 (Opening hours Closed Tues, Thurs and Sun. Mon & Fri 10.00 - 13.00 14.00 - 18.00 Weds 14.00 - 18.00, Sat 10.00 - 13.00)

Hitchin Library. (Information on cost not listed)

Situated in Paynes Park, two minutes walk from the town centre and bus stops, but approx 15 mins walk from the railway station.

Tel 0300 123 4049 (Opening hours Mon 10.00 - 20.00, Tues - Fri 09.00 -20.00, Sat 09.00 - 16.00. Sun closed)

Stevenage Library

Stevenage Central Library is situated in Southgate near the town centre

Telephone 01438 737333 (Opening hours are Mon – Wed 09.00 - 20.00, Thur 10.00 - 20.00, Fri 9.00 - 20.00, Sat 09.00 - 16.00 and Sun 13.00 - 17.00)

Besides these facilities, some schools in our area now participate in a scheme called NetReach, which allows public access to an internet linked computer at the school. At present only Gravenhurst Lower School and Stondon Lower School offer this facility but more schools will be joining before the end of 2009. Call your nearest school office to find out if they have joined the scheme.