Page 56 - Viva ICSE Computer Studies 7 : E-book

Digital Footprints

You already know the meaning of the word
footprint which is an impression of a foot left on
the ground. In a similar way, a digital footprint is the
information/impression about an person on the
Internet due to his/her online activity. It includes
the websites you visit, e-mails you send and the
information you submit to online services.

Digital footprints are of two types: active digital
footprint and passive digital footprint.

Active Digital Footprint

An active digital footprint includes data that you intentionally submit online. Sending an
e-mail leads to active digital footprint, since the data can be seen or saved by another person.
The more e-mails you send, the more your digital footprint grows.
Passive Digital Footprint

A passive digital footprint refers to the data left by the user online unintentionally. For example,
when you visit a website, the web server logs your IP address, which identifi es your Internet
service provider and your location. A more personal aspect of your passive digital footprint is
your search history, which is saved by the search engines while you are logged in.

Guidelines to be Followed while Working Online

Following guidelines should be followed while working online.
• Avoid accessing others’ systems to perform your login activities.

• Do not log in to unwanted websites.
• Always keep your information on social networking account visible only to friends in
your list.
• Avoid adding unknown people into your social networking account.
• Be careful while replying on any of the posts.

Computer Etiquette

Do not use others’ login IDs without their permission.

Tech Terms

Backup: Creating duplicate copies of important data and software on a storage device
Hacking: Getting into someone else’s computer without permission illegally

Plagiarism: Using other person’s idea or work as your own
Software Piracy: Making illegal copy of software for the purpose of distribution or sale

44