Can anybody track my web browsing history from other computers if my laptop is connected to the LAN cable at work?

[dan]

Yes, However,

Many large companies manage the computers that are connected to their network for security, and use a proxy server to control and track all Internet activity.

Routers used by smaller companies or homes for that matter, can be configured to do detailed tracking via the router logs.

Here is how it works,

When a device connects to the Internet via a router either by WiFi or Ethernet the device's MAC address is stored by the router.

Every device that has a network interface has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address. This is usually expressed in hexadecimal such as 10:25:A4:59:EF:1C

Now you know the technical aspects of how a specific device is identifiable, I will proceed.

Every time you try to go to a web page or download a file, your Internet browser requests that content from a remote web server be delivered to your device via HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc.

All of the web content including the source code, formatting (CSS), graphics, flash content, etc. must be requested via the router's connection to the Internet service provider's routing equipment.

The Internet provider is required by law to keep a detailed log of the sites that are visited and files that are downloaded for a period of time that varies by provider and state.

In addition home or business wireless routers keep logs. The amount and detail of logging will depend on the specific model and configuration. Some routers by default, only log router activity and not Internet requests (history). Depending on your motivation you can modify many routers firmware to allow more detailed results. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/paranoid-mo...her-ddwrt/

Some wireless routers keep detailed traffic logs.These logs are raw data of Internet requests and IP addresses. This is not technically the same as your browser history file, however by examining the URL's requested by a specific device the history of sites that were visited can be reconstructed.

That being said,

Whether you can be tracked depends on the motivation and skills of your network admin. or IT dept.

Personally, for security and privacy, when at work or other public locations, I use a cellular wireless mobile hotspot app on my Verizon smartphone.

It acts like a mini wireless router, you just turn it on the phone and can connect up to 5 wireless devices such as tablets, iPods, laptops, etc.

You'll have to pay for a mobile data plan from your cellular provider.

I have a 6 GB shared family data plan and find that more than adequate, you'll have to monitor your mobile usage for a few months and upgrade or downgrade your data plan to match your usage.

As long as you are not connected to your employers network, or using their computers or devices, they don't have the ability or legal right to monitor your Internet actions.

Good Luck...