Q. I am confused about the term "cookies" on the Internet. My computer programs often ask to delete and I am not sure what that implies. Please help me understand?
A. These days the word "cookies" brings to mind chocolate chip or perhaps my favorite coconut macaroons, but technology brings a whole new meaning to the term.
Better Business Bureau and OnGuardOnline.gov want consumers to know how Internet cookies are used and how to control information about your computer browsing activities.
Jim Winsett of the BBB. Have you ever wondered why some online ads you see are targeted to your tastes and interests, or how websites remember your preferences from visit to visit? The answer, in many cases, is Internet cookies.
A cookie is information in the form of a small digital file saved by your web browser. Cookies can be used by companies that collect, store and share bits of information about your online activities to track your behavior across sites.
Cookies also can be used to customize your browsing experience or to deliver ads targeted to you, but there are several types that can affect your online experience. First-party cookies are placed by a site when you visit it. They can make your experience on the web more efficient. For example, they help sites remember:
' Items in your shopping cart
' Your log-in name
' Your preferences, like always showing the weather in your home town
' Your high game scores.
Third-party cookies are placed by someone other than the site you are on. These may include an advertising network or a company that helps deliver the ads you see. They may be used to deliver ads tailored to your interests. For example, if you read an article online about running, a cookie may be used to note your interest in running, and add that to a profile. As a result, you may see coupons to save money on running shoes.
How can I control cookies? Various browsers have different ways to let consumers delete cookies or limit the kinds of cookies that can be placed on your computer. When you choose your browser, you may want to consider which suits your privacy preferences best. To check out the settings in a browser, use the "Hel"' tab or look under "Tools" for settings like "Options," "Settings" or "Privacy." From there, you may be able to delete cookies, or control when they can be placed. Some browsers allow add-on software tools to block, delete, or control cookies. And security software often includes options to make cookie control easier.
If you disable cookies entirely, you may limit your browsing experience. For example, you may need to enter information repeatedly, or you might not get personalized content or ads that are meaningful to you. However, most browsers' settings will allow you to block third-party cookies without also disabling first-party cookies.
Keep your browser up-to-date no matter which browser you use, it's important to keep it updated. An out-of-date browser can leave your computer vulnerable to attack by malware, which could intercept sensitive data like your log-ins, passwords, or financial information. Most browsers update automatically, or prompt you to update to the latest version.
Many browsers offer private browsing settings that are meant to let people keep web activities hidden from other people who use the same computer. With private browsing turned on, your browser won't retain cookies, your browsing history, search records, or the files that are downloaded. Although it won't keep cookies after the private browsing session ends, cookies used during the private browsing session can communicate information about your browsing behavior to third parties. However, privacy modes are not uniform; it's a good idea to check your browser to see what types of data it stores.
If you are having problems with Internet browsing or your computer in general, your best friend can be a reputable computer repair store. For a list of trustworthy local BBB Accredited computer repair companies, please visit bbb.org/Chattanooga.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.