How to Use Safari's Security Features

These days, it is important for your Web browser to provide you with a safe and secure environment in which to surf the Internet. Whether it is protecting your children from online predators or just protecting your computer from unwanted viruses, security features can help make the online experience safer and more enjoyable for all of the members of your family. Safari, Apple's latest Web browser, offers some of the most advanced security features available and allows you to customize them in order to fit your specific needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Safari Web browser
• Internet access
• Macintosh computer with OS 10.4

Set Safari's Security Preferences

1. Go to the Safari menu and choose 'Preferences' from the pull down menu.
2. Click on the 'Security' icon from the list of options. This will take you to the main Security Preferences page.
3. Put a check mark in the first box if you would like Safari to enable plug-ins.
4. Place a check mark in the second box if you would like Safari to enable Java. Put one in the third box if you want Safari to enable JavaScript.
5. Put a check mark in the fourth box if you want Safari to automatically block pop-up windows.
6. Decide on when you would like Safari to accept Cookies and click on the appropriate box.
7. Click on the 'Show Cookies' button if you want to manage the cookies that are already saved on your computer.
8. Close the Security Preferences window when you are done configuring Safari's security features.

Use the Private Browsing Function

9. Go to the Safari menu and click on 'Private Browsing'. This will tell Safari not to save any information (such as cookies, passwords, browsing history or account information) onto your computer during that session.
10. Click on 'Private Browsing' again if you want to disable this security feature.

Tips & Warnings

• Safari uses 128-bit encryption when accessing secure sites (such as online banking or shopping Web pages), allowing you to safely submit personal information such as account numbers, passwords and payments.
• If you have an earlier version of Safari, you can download the latest update directly from Apple's Web site (see Resources below).
• The latest version of Safari (2.0) will only work on computers that are running an operating system of OS 10.4 or greater.
• You can get additional help with Safari's use, and many other Apple products, by going to the Apple Support page (see Resources below).
• This guide was written specifically for Safari version 2.0 and may not be accurate regarding earlier versions of Safari.