why does your computer have to accept cookies when it seems to invite spyware and other viruses
2006-10-11 09:35:55 · 9 answers · asked by Daryl C 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
The cookie file is a file that resides on the client machine. It contains data passed from web sites, so that web sites can communicate with this file when the same client returns. The web site only has access to the part of the cookie file that represents the interaction with that particular web site. Clearly the cookie file has caused some issues with respect to privacy. Considering that as consumers, we do not know what information is being stored in the file, we should become concerned! The cookie file was first developed in order to help sites with the transaction process of the web. Without a cookie file, web sites are not able to track a single user's path through a web site, thus a transaction that required multiple pages (as most do) would simply not be workable.
2006-10-11 09:42:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, technically, you have to invite everything when surfing the web. The difference is that Cookies are a known entity and the browser manufacturers (Microsoft and the likes) have put in a way to block or notify cookies being placed on your computer. This is for privacy reasons. You can subsequently clean them out. But cookies are considered necessary for proper function of websites.
Spyware and other viruses are an unknown set of things in the sense that they are generally meant for malicious purposes. They are generally directed and get downloaded only if you say yes to downloading (which you might have by setting options that download things without notification) or by clicking on a link or button that then downloads it (without your knowledge).
As far as the browser is concerned, if you clicked on a link or button, and then accepted the software to be downloaded, you supposedly knew what you were doing.
2006-10-11 16:48:17 · answer #2 · answered by kettlechipsdude 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cookies don't invite spyware or viruses. Normally, if you get infected with those it is typically user error. While it is true that cookies are data miners, many are harmless. If you have a good anti spyware program, you shouldn't have to worry about them. The things to worry about are drive by downloads, pop ups, and email attachments. As to your question specifically, that's just how it works. Many cookies allow people to save time logging into email accounts and such by saving their log in info. That's why there's a 'remember my id on this computer' box to check on the log in page. Those types of cookies are especially useful if you're always forgetting passwords and user names.
2006-10-11 16:47:42 · answer #3 · answered by Stephanie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The thing is, you don't have to accept cookies. You can actually just go to your browser's options and turn them off. Cookies are really just "placemarkers" for websites to remember you. Some spyware and viruses can take advantage of this so it is always smart to clear your cookies out periodically if you choose to have them on.
2006-10-11 16:40:30 · answer #4 · answered by g0083us 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are misinformed. Cookies have absolutely NOTHING to do with spyware and viruses.
2006-10-11 16:43:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
cookis are not all bad. some are needed by websites. so your computer must be capable of accepting them. Some websites will not work if you don't have cookies enabled.
2006-10-11 16:39:16 · answer #6 · answered by Gentle Dragon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your computer doesnt have to accept them if yo dont want it to however if its set not to, you will find some pages that wont load.
2006-10-11 16:39:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of bad things are send by email too. So turn off your email. Bottom line, surf safely.
2006-10-11 16:44:33 · answer #8 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no i put it on medium high so i can go on email
2006-10-11 16:46:08 · answer #9 · answered by Ben 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋