How to control cookies on your computer

Cookies- Friend or Foe?

Cookie, browsing and computer cleansing software

Webroot- Window Washer

Deep Cleansing software

Internet Security

Advice:
If you ever want to know what is stored in your Cookie fie, do a Search on your computer, including all hidden files and folders. You will usually find a Directory under C:\Windows\Cookies in Win 95/98/ME or under C:\Documents and Settings\(YOUR USER NAME) using XP. Windows 7/Vista organizes the Cookies directory cookies by User also, so be aware you need to search for it individually. Keep in mind, that operating system software and browsers are not designed very well to protect your personal privacy or surfing activities.
Yes, you can delete the content (not the directory unless it is empty) and send to the recycle bin. For further info, click on your Microsoft Internet Explorer Help File. Set your Internet Explorer browser to "Prompt' for third-party cookies with the option to accept, as a minimum setting - for all but your most trusted sites. The only benefit to you is when you are a paid subscriber and the site needs to identify you for ordering purposes. Or, you may want your news service or favorite site to serve up your selected preferences first. Some sites will not give you the full content unless you accept their cookies. Therefore, it is up to you to decide which types to allow.

Ever wonder where those mysterious e-mails & spam come from and why your office computer serves up different content than your home computer? Some malicious web sites, search engines and many ISP's track your usage by the sites you visit and tailor the future content they serve up by using analyzing your cookie information. It is not hard to understand who the main beneficiary is since they sell advertising based to their Clients based on the number of views or clicks that occur from your surfing activities. Isn't it nice to know these companies think they know what is best for you? Don't buy into their argument that you are not doing them a favor by visiting or paying for the service. Most have little regard for your privacy and will sell your demographic information to the highest bidder.

Some companies even consider your information as their "Business Asset" to use as they see fit. For example- check out the AT&T ISP user agreement for more details. Do not frequent sites that feel their interests are more important than yours. They store your activity in their database to create an electronic fingerprint of your online activity. Most sites let you in, even if you block their cookies.

Some downloads programs and web sites actually turn your browser experience into uncontrollable, ongoing intrusion with pop-ups, settings and browser changes. If this occurs shut down your browser immediately, even if you have to stop it using "Task Manager" or shutting off your computer & unplugging your Internet connection. As soon as you bring your browser back up, go directly to "Tools" and Delete Browser History using "Delete All" including checking the box marked"... stored by add-ons." No would be a good time to run a full virus and/or spyware scan on your computer. We strongly suggest you do not share any personal information with these intrusive sites.

Your organization can spend valuable time fighting cookie plague by searching directories, deleting and blocking. Intruders are very sophisticated at covering their tracks, such as AltNet which blocks even the deletion of registry entries. We suggest employing some form of business strength cookie blocking and spyware catching technology.
Note: Several shareware programs contain their own form of invasive software. We do not recommend downloading of any BETA versions of software for mainstream use.

Method 1:
Manual method: Open Microsoft Internet Explorer > Tools> Internet Options> "Security" set to "Medium- High". Then go back to Internet Options> "Privacy". Click on "Sites". Here you can be very specific on which sites to always allow or never allow to use cookies. Don't feel bad for blocking ones that are constantly asking for additional information or placing multiple cookies. Go back to Advanced Option button in Privacy and check "override automatic." and check First party "Accept" and Third party "Prompt" cookies. Then check "Always allow session cookies" since most banking and video streaming sites require access. Do not forget to use Tools > Internet Options > "General"> Delete Browsing History and "Temporary Internet Files." after a sessions involving banking or purchasing information. Close you browser and re-start to help clear info retained in memory, also.

If you subscribe to various services or want to explore a site quickly without interruptions, this allows cookies to be used temporarily for your current only. Should it become tedious to always be deciding to accept cookies from your favorites sites under the "Privacy" setting above.

Method 2:
How do I set up my browser to accept cookies when you are ordering software on-line?

If you're using Internet Explorer, go to the View menu and select Internet Options. Within the Internet Options window, select the Advanced tab at the top right, scroll down until you see a selection titled "Cookies" and make sure the "Always accept cookies" box is checked.

If you're using Netscape Navigator, go to the Options menu and select Network Preferences. Within the Network Preferences window, select the Protocols tab. There is a heading titled "Show an Alert Before" and a check box next to a selection titled "Accepting a Cookie". If this is not checked, you will automatically accept cookies without being warned by your browser." 1

We suggest changing this setting as described in Method 1 and Method 2 especially when you are finished ordering using credit card info or doing on-line banking, etc. Any of the software programs, listed in the sidebar has components to do these tasks automatically or manually for you- in addition to a number of privacy protection, system maintenance activities, etc.
For further resources on issues that impact your systems, see: At Risk files.