What are cookies?

What are computer cookies, and what do I need to know about them?

Should I be worried about cookie notices on websites?  Are they tracking me?  Is my computer infected?

This article has answers…

What is a cookie?

Cookies are text files sent from the website and stored on your computer.  The main purpose is for you to be able to continue your browsing session with a website when you return later.  To do this, the website stores a cookie containing such things as your username, items in your shopping cart and pages of the website you have visited.

Are cookies dangerous?

For the most part, cookies are helpful, because they store information you have entered before and save you the time from reentering it.  They can’t infect your computer with viruses or malware.  The danger (such as it is) comes from their ability to track your browsing history, especially from one site to another.

Am I getting more prompts about cookies than I used to?

You are.  The European Commission passed a law requiring websites to get your permission about the cookies it leaves on your computer.  This has resulted in many more popups.  The number of cookies stored has probably not changed, but you’re just getting more notifications about them… instead of the websites just storing the cookies without telling you.

Can I delete cookies on my device?

Yes, you can delete them whenever you want.  You can delete all cookies manually by following the steps in this InfoLine article: Delete cookies.  The result be will be that you will need to enter some information again the next time you visit a website, such as usernames, items in your shopping cart, etc.

Who is storing the cookies on my computer?

We accept that the website we are visiting will save cookies on your computer.  However, other sites (third-party sites) may also do so, usually through the ads on the original page you visited.  Say, you visit a page with 8 ads on it.  You will probably get 8 additional cookies on your computer even if you don’t click on any of the ads.  Browsers are fighting back against these third-party cookies, and some block them by default (Spoiler: Chrome is not yet one of them).

What are tracking cookies?

These cookies are aimed at marketing products to you.  They track your activity, so that they can direct your browsing activity to their products.  For instance, if you are interested in traveling to a particular country you may visit sites related to travel and to that country.  These sites can store cookies that are then read when you visit other sites related to travel.  These new sites will know which countries you are interested in and can focus your attention to them.

If you have questions about this, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.
Take care,