How do I configure my browser for cookies?

A cookie is a file created by a web site to store information on your computer, such as your preferences when visiting that site. For example, if you inquire about a flight schedule on an airline's web site, the site might create a cookie that contains your itinerary. The next time you visit that site, you can access your saved itinerary. The web site reads the information from the cookie it created on your computer.

Cookies can also be used to store confidential information or information that can be used to identify or contact you, such as your name, email address, home or work address, or telephone number. However, the only information that can end up in a cookie is information that you type in while viewing a web site. For example, a web site cannot determine your email address unless you type it in on that site. Likewise, cookies cannot access information stored in other files on your computer.

After a cookie is saved on your computer, only the web site that created the cookie can read it.

There are several types of cookies, and you can choose whether to allow some, none, or all of them to be saved on your computer. If you do not allow cookies at all, you may not be able to view some web sites or take advantage of customization features (such as local news and weather, or stock quotes). However, if you allow all cookies, unauthorized users could gain access to your computer or confidential information.

First-Party vs. Third-Party Cookies

• A first-party cookie either originates on or is sent to the web site you are currently viewing. These cookies are commonly used to store information, such as your preferences when visiting that site.
• A third-party cookie either originates on or is sent to a web site different from the one you are currently viewing. Third-party web sites usually provide some content on the web site you are viewing. For example, many sites use advertising from third-party web sites and those third-party web sites may use cookies. A common use for this type of cookie is to track your web page use for advertising or other marketing purposes.

To set your privacy level for cookies:

1. From the Tools menu, select "Internet Options."
2. Click the "Privacy" tab.
3. Move the slider up for a higher level of privacy or down for a lower level of privacy. Each mark on the slider indicates a different level of privacy and provides information about what kinds of cookies are blocked and which are allowed at that level.

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