What are Internet Cookies?

Cookies are helpful, because they make it easier for us to “move around” when we revisit a website again in the future..

Cookies are pieces of information that actually create a very small “text file” which is placed in a folder on the hard drive of our computer - they are generated/created when we visit a website, by the server that the web page is on. Some people say it’s like “our id card” so that when we go back and revisit a website, it tells that website that we are back – not us really, but that the computer we are using is back visiting the website again!!!

We can delete or change the way in which cookies and/or temporary Internet files are saved by changing our Internet settings. The way we change our Internet settings varies depending on the Internet Browser and level of Browser that we use…Remember there are different browsers (all of which are free) and different members of a family might use different browsers..

Some of us might use Internet Explorer 7, 8 or even 9 (Microsoft products); some might use Chrome by Google; others might use FireFox by Mozilla, while others who have an Apple Mac might use Safari.. and the list goes on…

If you aren’t sure how to change your Internet settings, for your specific browser software and level, you might want to visit this website and save it in your favorites…

http://www.aboutcookies.org/

What are Internet Cookies?

Internet Cookies are preference files that store data/information sent to your computer by a Web server that you visit that then records your actions for that specific website…

Cookies are helpful, because they make it easier for you to “move around” when you revisit that same website again in the future

You can delete or change the way in which cookies and or temporary Internet files are saved by changing your Internet settings. In most web browsers (Internet Explorer for example) when your browser is open/meaning you are on the Internet, go to the menu bar, choose tools, then choose Internet options. You will now see a category for Temporary Internet Files – which contains both cookies and temporary Internet file addresses – this allows you to quickly and easily erase them…

Internet Tips - Cookies, Online & Offline

WHAT IS A COOKIE? Cookies are preference files that shore data/information sent to your computer by a Web server that records your actions on a certain website… They make it easier for your to “move around” when you revisit websites in the future

IS THERE AN EASY WAY TO DELETE COOKIES? When you are on the internet – go to the menu bar, tools, internet options – you will see a category for Temporary Internet Files – which contains both cookies and temporary internet file addresses – this allows you to quickly erase them…

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WORK ONLINE? – OFFLINE?
ONLINE – is work done on your computer when it is connected to another computer or network, including the internet
OFFLINE – is work done when you are not connected to another computer, network or the internet..
To turn this feature on & off – When you are on Internet Explorer go to Menu Bar, File, and you will see a toggle command in the menu list that switches between Work Online & Work Offline

USING PUBLIC COMPUTERS - Traveling during the holidays?

You can check your email from any computer in the world, hotel, motel, cruise ship, highway stops, airports, Internet café, libraries, copy and/or coffee shops and of course at homes of friends or family.. But because you are not at home, be more careful when you use a computer that isn't yours, especially when you are typing or working with private information like credit cards, banking, medical and other sensitive information you may not want anyone else to see... A FEW SAFETY TIPS....

DON'T SAVE YOUR LOGIN INFORMATION - Always logout of Web sites by pressing logout on the site (Many programs-especially instant messenger programs and free email, such as hotmail, gmail & others include automatic login features that will save your username and password – so be sure not to check this off to have the computer remember your user name & password, so no one accidentally (or on purpose) logs in as you.

DON'T LEAVE THE COMPUTER UNATTENDED WITH SENSITIVE INFORMATION ON THE SCREEN - If you have to leave the public computer for any amount of time, logout of all programs and close all windows that may include sensitive information.

ERASE YOUR TRACKS - When you're done using a public computer you should delete all the temporary files and your Internet history: Here Is How To Delete Your Temporary Internet Files And Your History:
1. In Internet Explorer, go to Menu Bar, Left Click Tools for Menu List, Then Left Click Internet Options.
2. On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files Left click Delete Files and then click Delete Cookies.
3. Under History, left click Clear History.

WATCH FOR OVER-THE-SHOULDER SNOOPS-Because there's so much news about how hackers digitally sneak into our personal files, we sometimes forget about the old fashioned version of snooping. When you use a public computer, watch for anyone looking over your shoulder or watching as you enter sensitive passwords. If you really want to be safe, avoid typing your credit card numbers, bank account information, or any other financial or otherwise sensitive information into any public computer.

Enjoy your holidays and be safe...