Facebook is the most popular social networking website, with over 400 million active users. With so many users, it is understandable that Facebook could be compromised by scammers, spammers and unwanted Facebook friends. If you have become annoyed or are simply no longer interested in being a member, read this guide, which will show you how to quit Facebook.

Because its power as a popular social networking tool, Facebook is able to communicate to people all over the world, which can be a problem for users with security concerns. In the past, Facebook has been reluctant to permanently delete user accounts because most people typically return and want their information to remain intact. Because of privacy issues, however, Facebook now makes it much easier to permanently disappear from the site. The following steps will enable you to quit Facebook.

For those who value their privacy, the delete function on Facebook can be invaluable. The site makes deletion more difficult than deactivation, but the process can still be completed in a few minutes. Deactivation is useful if you think you might return to Facebook in the future and don't want to have to re-enter your data, but for people who want to completely eliminate their Facebook presence, deletion is the way to go.

• The easiest way to access Facebook is to enter its specific URL at the address bar.http://www.facebook.com You can also find it by entering the word "facebook" into a search engine and clicking on the first link.

The front page of Facebook.com has a dark blue bar at the top of the screen. On the right side of the bar are two dialog boxes. In the left dialog box, type in the e-mail address that you used to sign up for the account. On the right, enter the password that you created when creating your membership, then click the "Login" button.http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=174

• Once you have logged in, you will find a "Settings" link on the upper right hand of the screen. Mouse over it and you will be given 3 options: "Account Settings," "Privacy Settings" and "Application Settings." Click on "Account Settings."http://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=17487&ref_query=account+set

• Once you have clicked on "Account Settings," you will see a section that reads "Deactivate Account" at the bottom of the screen. Click on the blue link on the bottom right side of the page.

• The next page will ask for confirmation that you want to deactivate and will also ask why you are deactivating. You can choose from nine options and, if you like, you can type in more information as to why you are quitting Facebook. You have the option of not receiving any further Facebook e-mails (i.e. invitations, photo tags, etc.) before deactivating.http://www.facebook.com/help/?search=i%20want%20to%20permanently%20delete%20my%20account

• While deactivating your Facebook account is a good way to stop e-mails and status updates from pouring into your inbox, it doesn't keep Facebook from retaining your personal information. In order to completely eliminate your presence from the site, follow these steps:

1. Click on the "Help" button on the bottom right side of the page
2. From there, you will find a "Search" box near the top left side of the screen. Enter the keywords "delete account," then press enter.
3. The first section of the next page discusses the ramifications of permanently deleting your account, along with a link to submit your request.
4. After you have clicked on that link, Facebook will give you a confirmation page asking you if you are sure that you want your account deleted. Click on the "Submit" button and your account will be completely erased.http://www.facebook.com/help/?search=i%20want%20to%20permanently%20delete%20my%20account