All about the Index.dat Database

The index.dat is basically one database file which the internet uses for the purpose of running the web browser popularly known as the Internet Explorer. The database file is used mainly for the enhancement of the efficient performance of the Internet Explorer.

Features of the Index.dat File

Good Repository of Information
One of the most important features of the index.dat file is that is in an excellent

information repository. The main purpose of this file is to ensure that the person who is surfing the internet is able to access all the information which he needs to access very quickly indeed. So when an individual browses the web, it is this file which ensures that there is a proper access to information. This file ensures that all the data which the user of the computer is seeking is displayed before him in a quick and efficient manner.

User Specific
The second important feature of the index.dat file is that it is entirely user specific. As a result, such a file will be in operation only when the user of a windows operating system is logged into the computer. If the user is not logged into the computer, then the file will cease to operate. It will be as good as defunct. Separate file exist for cookies, cache and history of the Internet Explorer.

Controversies Surrounding the Index.dat file

Privacy of Users Hindered
There is a great deal of controversy which surrounds the database file known as the
index.dat file. According to certain internet privacy groups, use of such a file actually causes a hindrance to the privacy of computer users. The information which is normally contained within these files maybe considered very private to the computer users.

Cannot be deleted easily
Another major controversy which surrounds this database file is that such a file cannot be deleted too easily. This is mainly because this database file is a locked file and the Windows operating system does not allow locked files to get easily deleted from the computer.

False Security Sense
It is also believed that the means which are adopted by the Windows operating system for the removal of information that is contained inside the index.dat files, using index.dat reader, provide the computer users with a very false security sense.

Thus, there are many interesting features of the index.dat file, making it a useful yet controversial database file.