Bob's Tech Talk
Q. Is Incognito Mode in my Web browser truly private?
A. True anonymity online requires considerable technical expertise and is near-impossible to achieve. The short answer to your question is no.
Incognito Mode, which is also called Private Browsing, InPrivate Browsing, Private Window, or Guest Mode tells your device to avoid recording information such as browsing history and cookies.
There are other sources for this information that you may not have access to, like your service provider’s log files, third-party software, system caches, backups, deleted file recovery tools, and so on.
Think of Incognito Mode as a screen door on the front of your home. It is useful up to a point but it does not enable any sort of secure privacy.
The only computing device that is private in the sense of a personal diary on a bookshelf or a locked box in your closet is a device that has never connected to the internet.
Most new devices you purchase require activation online, which means purchasing a device that never connects online is exceptionally rare. It also usually means using custom builds of open source software.
The bottom line is that privacy online is a myth, and you should assume that your activities are recorded somewhere.
Q. If privacy online is impossible, is there nothing I can do?
A. The best thing to do is consider what and where you share information. Online privacy is a critical concern now that vast amounts of personal information are shared and stored online.
As individuals increasingly rely on the internet for communication, shopping and social interaction, the risk of privacy breaches has escalated. Data collection practices by companies often lead to the accumulation of sensitive information, including browsing habits, location data and financial details. This data can be exploited for targeted advertising or, worse, fall into the hands of malicious actors.
Moreover, the rise of social media platforms has blurred the lines between public and private information, encouraging users to share personal experiences without fully understanding the implications.
Security threats, such as hacking and identity theft, further exacerbate these concerns.
To safeguard online privacy, individuals should adopt proactive strategies such as using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being aware of how the information is stored or shared.
Additionally, advocating for stronger privacy regulations can help.
Ultimately, fostering an environment of awareness and responsibility around online privacy is essential for protecting privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.
The best thing you can do is become a privacy-sensitive user who is thoughtful about the information you share.
Q. What is the best way to get the most value from your tech purchases over time?
A. This is a great question. Everyone loves a good deal, but the answer to this question is more subtle than paying a low purchase price.
The best way to maximize value over a period of years is to never buy the latest model. There was a time when the most powerful device available was necessary, but those days are far behind us.
Most devices made in the last five years will work great in all but the most extreme professional workflows.
Older hardware does not mean you have to go into the used market. Used can be a good option, but tech companies also keep older designs available to attract price-sensitive customers. Retailers often have large stocks of older models available for less.
Besides avoiding the most expensive models, it’s best to avoid the absolutely cheapest models. The quality of materials and workmanship of super-cheap devices often border on the disposable.
While a too-good-to-be-true price seems like a good deal in the short them, poor performance can force you to replace it before its time.
Wander the Web
Here are my picks for worthwhile browsing this month:
GoComics
This site hosts a vast array of comic strips and panels, including classics and contemporary works from various artists.
How Stuff Works
This site features thousands of articles that explain how something actually works.
Keep Calm and Laugh On
When you need a go-to source for laughs, there is always the venerable Onion.
Bob has been writing about technology for over three decades. He can be contacted at techtalk@bobdel.com.
