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What Is a Computer Cookie?

The computer cookie originated as a way for web sites to work interactively with their users. Simply stated, a computer cookie enables a site to remember all data from the beginning of the application (allowing users to shop online, for instance), and help the site differentiate between users, and between various sets of information.

Basically, a computer cookie is like the ticket you get when you drop your clothing off at a dry cleaner's. The ticket allows the person behind the counter to tell which clothes are yours when you come to pick them up. Computer cookies sort information in the same way the tickets sort clothing, they mark you so that the web site recognizes that you have visited before, and then direct you through the site based on the information stored in your computer cookie.

A computer cookie is used for many reasons: it helps keep sites fresh and relevant for return users, it gives sites the ability to personalize information (especially useful for shopping sites), it can increase internet speeds, and collect demographics. Sounds great, right? It is, mostly. Computer cookies are generally harmless, but when they become more useful to vendors than they are to users, then issues of privacy come into play.

Basically, a computer cookie is put into your computer from every web site you visit, and can consume up to two percent of your hard drive space. Additionally, computer cookies (like doubleclick.net) are sometimes put into place simply to collect personal information about you. This information is then sold to vendors, who (in turn) bombard you with banners and pop-ups supposedly targeted to your interest.

In effect, a computer cookie allows companies to solicit you without your permission, and use your own computer against you. Web servers literally store their html on your computer under the polite auspices of helping you, when, in fact, what they're doing is closer to hunting your hard-earned money. While a computer cookie in some cases is useful, it's not necessary (or even smart) to store all the cookies that you collect in a standard evening of surfing. There are several ways to manage computer cookies. Microsoft recommends deleting them regularly using Internet Explorer.

You will find a Delete Cookies option in Internet Explorer by clicking on Tools :: Internet Options and then selecting the General tab. Deleting a computer cookie in this manner is relatively effective, except that cookies are stored until your browser is closed ? which means, in essence, when you close your browser and open it again, your computer cookies will be back.

Another method is to find the computer cookie folder (with Internet Explorer closed), and delete the contents of the file. The problem with this is that, unless you know what you're looking for, you may take the good computer cookie out with the bad. Perhaps the most effective method of controlling computer cookies is to use easy and inexpensive privacy management software.

There are several brands on the market that not only help you manage your computer cookies, but also help you to clean up temporary internet and cache files. Programs like Privacy Guardian not only keep your hard drive clean, they keep your privacy intact. There's no need for anyone to have personal information about you, if you're not willing to give it to out. Companies should be grateful enough for the Internet profits we generate, without selling our information to other businesses!

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