What is it? When I run a securtiy scan on my computer I sometimes get these, what are they?
2007-03-21 05:24:22 · 4 answers · asked by mia 5 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Cookies are just small .txt (text) files that by themselves cannot hurt your computer. They are not a virus, but some people consider "tracking" cookies to be an invasion of privacy.
It all depends on one's level of paranoria.
Tracking cookies are mostly "3rd party cookies" from advertising servers. They can track your movements around the web in order to deliver to you customised, targeted advertising.
If you are using Internet Explorer for a browser, you can permanantly block all 3rd party cookies. Go to tools > internet options > privacy > advanced > checkmark "override automatic cookie handling" > third party cookies > tick "block" > ok > ok.
2007-03-21 05:33:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A tracking coockie collecting information about what sites the user , send that info to a company, who then sends advertising when you surf different sites according to your surfing patterns.
they do no damage at your pc but must be seen as a severe privacy problem.
2007-03-21 12:34:44 · answer #2 · answered by janne5011 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A piece of data that identifies you (its a semi-random string created when you first see one of their adverts) that stored on your computer by companies that advertise on websites (and sent back to them each time you see one of their adverts).
They can use the information to:
(a) Know what adverts they have served up to you already
and
(b) Know what sites you visit (and thus target their adverts better)
2007-03-21 12:29:04 · answer #3 · answered by David D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are ADWARE. They are little spies added into your system that you pick up from sites you are in, that track where you go for marketing proposes, without your approval. Delete your cookies and watch where you go!?
2007-03-21 12:35:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋