Up until the point that I moved here about 18 months ago, I have always shared a computer with someone - either my husband or my daughters. Even still, my youngest daughter has access to my computer at times even though she has her own. And until I moved my computer just today, it was sitting in the living room where anyone could sit down and start browsing through my files, my emails, my browser history, etc. if they had a mind to. So I've never actually been concerned about the privacy of my files.
That's not to say that I don't have files that are sensitive. I have nude photos of myself and a very large collection of photos of other naked people doing...nakedy things.
The way I see it, if I have a folder that I don't want someone to accidentally run across, I make it so that it is not readily accessible. I put them in folders within folders with innocuous-sounding names. No passwords or hidden files, just 'out of the way.'
But I've noticed for years here on TFP that many people have an idea of computer privacy that is much different than mine. The idea of 'snooping' seems almost tantamount to criminal voyeurism or other similar violations of individual security and/or privacy. Particularly among men which (slow down now) I can understand to a point. I realize that a porn collection belonging to a man is viewed, I guess...differently than a porn collection belonging to a woman. Or rather, it is more sensitive for some reason. Some of that being the approbation of their wives or girlfriends, which is unfortunate, but I can't help but believe there is something more to it than that. Or is there not? I'm just wondering out loud here.
Anyway, what is your own personal opinion on computer privacy? Do you take great measures to keep your files and activity private? And, if so, why?
Note: this is not an attempt to provoke a heated discussion about 'what women do' and 'what men do' so let's try and keep it on point. Thank you.
