What are cookies and what do they do? Would it matter if I delete them all?

Question

How do I block cookies?

Answer 1

You may have already heard about what cookies are and where are they used. If you haven’t, here is a short definition:
"computer cookies are small text files, which various web sites store on your computer in order to get specific information from it. Cookies are often being used for easier access to different web sites (these cookies usually save your login information or private details)."
In this case, there is no need to be afraid of these small files because they are only capable of helping you and saving your time.

As usually, there is another side of the coin. Yes, there are many harmless and helpful cookies, but, in parallel with that, various harmful cookies are being used by different Internet companies. These are also known as “tracking cookies�? or “third-party cookies�? and are able to compromise your privacy in many ways. For example, a company may enable their web site to store a special file onto your computer; this file will keep track on your activities, like web sites you visit, products you purchase or even forms you fill. Although it is unusual for such harmful cookies to steal information you enter into special fields, they are still able to become a reason of various problems. In fact, with the help of tracking cookies major companies may find out a lot of confidential information about you. For example, if you have filled several forms and posted your CV on different web sites, this tracking cookie may make it possible for its owners to know your IP address, your real name and address. All in all, your main “trump card�? (privacy) will simply fall by the wayside.

Yes, tracking cookies are a real threat for your stability, but there is always a good way of protecting yourself against them. A few years ago Federal Trade Commission became really concerned about how major companies use cookies for tracking. This forced companies to come to the agreement, which helps users in protecting themselves from third-party cookies.

The best way of protecting your privacy is having several opt-out cookies installed. These are just like ordinary cookies, which tell various marketing companies that your PC cannot be tracked anymore. As you see, this is really easy and doesn’t require many efforts. The best thing is that you can download many opt-out cookies by simply clicking on the download button and protect yourself in a few minutes! We would recommend you opting out of several advertising networks by visiting this link:
http://www.networkadvertising.org/optout_nonppii.asp

There is also one way of protecting your privacy from third-party cookies. It is a common technique for many modern browsers to provide their users with so called “Cookie Management Tools�?. These tools will help you to modify various cookies, change their properties and, as a result of that, protect your privacy. Although this method takes more time, that getting opt-out cookies, it is more flexible and allows you to deal with every harmful cookie you may find.

All in all, we believe that even though the problem of harmful cookies still persists, it is not very dangerous and can be removed easily. All you need is a little bit of knowledge (about opt-out cookies and cookie management tools) and a willingness to make your computer safe and secure.

Answer 2

Cookies are small files that allow Web Companies to record the number of times you visit that particular site. They are also responisble for the ability to remained signed in for a certain amount of time. There should be no problem with deleting them. If you want to see exactly how many cookies you have you can try typing "Cookies" in run.

Blocking cookies is generally not such a good idea. Many sites will not allow you to enter their site without cookies enabled. Also, why block cookies they are pretty much harmless. However, here is how to do it:
1. Tools>Internet Options
2. Click the Privacy or Security Tabs

Answer 3

If you delete your cookies every time then you will have to punch in your passwords each time you check your email, bank etc. Generally cookies are not a threat; however some people may consider them a privacy issue, especially if they are third party cookies. There is absolutely no harm in deleting them, I use Firefox, so I have my browser set up to delete EVERYTHING every time I close my browser.

Cookie
A data file written to a hard drive by some Web sites, contains information the site can use to track such things as passwords, login, registration or identification, user preferences, online shopping cart information, and lists of pages visited.

Third-party cookies
are created by a Web site other than the one you are currently visiting; for example, by a third-party advertiser on that site. The purpose of such cookies is usually to track your surfing habits, which is why third-party cookies are considered an invasion of privacy and riskier than first-party cookies.

Answer 4

Information stored on a user's computer by a Web Browser at the request of software at a Web site. Web sites use cookies to recognize users who have previously visited them. The next time the user accesses that site, the information in the cookie is sent back to the user so the information displayed can vary depending on the user’s preferences.

Answer 5

A cookie is an object that monitors your online habits and rememebers things about the website that you were at. Not all cookies are bad.

John
A+ certified

Answer 6

they keep track of your movement at a site, also store passwords. If you delete them they will return next time you visit that site, unless you block cookies.