Private browsing mode is a new option that all popular web browsers are offering by now. Once turned on private browsing mode ensures that data that is generated during that browsing session will not be stored on the local computer system. This includes temporary files, cookies or entries in the web browser’s web history. Most web browsers come with a switch to enable private browsing mode once the web browser has been started. The option in the Firefox web browser is available under Tools > Start Private Browsing or by pressing the Ctrl Shift P keyboard shortcut.
Firefox comes with a configuration switch since version 3.1 which can be set to true to turn on private browsing mode automatically whenever the web browser is started. The following steps need to be performed to autostart Firefox in private browsing mode:
- Enter about:config in the Firefox address bar. If that is the first time click on the I’ll be careful button.
- Paste browser.privatebrowsing.autostart in the form at the top to filter for the entry needed.
- Double-click the entry. This will automatically change the value from false to true.
Firefox will start up in private browsing mode on the next start of the browser. The changes can be undone by performing the same steps that are outlined above.