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Microsoft has revealed it is to trial an Internet Explorer 8 feature which will allow "traceless browsing".

The inPrivate option will allow users to visit webpages without data being recorded.

Websites would also not be able to leave cookies in a surfer's computer or save passwords.

Andy Zeigler, Microsoft program manager, has spoken over the development and given reasons for its use.

He said in a blog posting, privacy while using someone else's computer and buying "a gift for a loved one without ruining the surprise" are among the key uses for the technology.

Cynics have, however, stated the primary use of the system is to allow consumers to surf websites featuring adult content without leaving a trail.

Meanwhile, Mike Zaneis, the Interactive Bureau's vice president, told the Washington Post the change could potentially "undermine the economies of the internet" by blocking some advertisements, reports Blog.wired.com.

A recent Connect survey found that the two major concerns about outsourcing services like IT support were 'loss of control' (56 per cent) and 'budget over-runs' (43 per cent)
Elsewhere, earlier this month fellow IT firm IBM announced businesses using its computers will receive extra support, after it announced a $300 million (£162 million) investment in disaster recovery, reports vnunet.com.