how to turn off the form fields?
 

I have run in to this a few times on public computers...double click on the field, like "Skymiles number" and all the numbers of prior users appear. Often when you select one, their PIN appears too. Is there any way to protect myself by turning this feature off? I don't want anyone messing with my frequent flier miles! thanks

For FF3 it is Tools | Options | Privacy | Remember what I enter in forms and search bar.

For IE8 it is Tools | Options | Content | Auto Complete Settings | and then uncheck those boxes at the bottom.

Generally you should be prompted to save the password. Or don't put your information in on a public computer if you're worried.

also when leaving a public computer, clear the cookies/temp files etc.

Not that it will make any difference if a keylogger has been installed.

Don't these accounts "time out" if there is no active use after so many minutes so that u have to relog in?

In theory, yes. But the system can also remember your password so if you click the wrong button that is saved on the system, too. Disabling the ability for it to remember user names also kills the password bit.

The real answer here is to never use public computers. As antichef pointed out, the risk of key-loggers is very real; and the only way to protect yourself from them is to use a system that you know is safe (i.e. one's personal/work laptop, which runs an anti-virus, firewall, etc).

In more recent versions of Firefox you can also just do Tools - Clear Recent History..., check all the boxes and click OK.