[azGOPgal]

I'm not the most computer literate, and I do understand a little of what you are saying, but what are cookies? I have heard of them, but I don't know what they are.

[Maigrey]

You could, but they would give you indigestion. (and, you have mail.)

[Mo1]

I'm not expert either but I do know you need certain ones, or you'll have to log back into certain sites like FR every time you delete them


http://wp.netscape.com/legal_notices/cookies.htmlCookies


Web sites use cookies to simulate a continuous connection to that site. This makes it more convenient for users by allowing them to visit pages within a site without having to reintroduce themselves with each mouse click. Contrary to popular fears and misconceptions, cookies were not created to spy on or otherwise invade the privacy of Internet users. Cookies contain only information that users volunteer, and they do not have the capability of infiltrating a user's hard drive and sneaking away with personal information. The simple function of a cookie is that of helping the user navigate a web site with as little obstruction as possible.

[GretchenEE]

Cookies are little dealies that some web site owners drop into your internet browser when you open their sites. They do various things: I believe the main purpose is to identify you. Free Republic drops a cookie into your browser so the software knows your PC when you open the FR home page, so you don't have to sign in again.

Some not-so-scrupulous web site owners will track your movements around the web once they have inserted a cookie into your browser. Why? In some instances, especially web sites that sell stuff, it's to find out where else you shop. But more than just harmless use can be made of the information, so it's good to clean them out regularly. Besides, your browser has to drag around a lot of information from site to site if you don't clean them out.