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Improve Privacy Settings
In this section we will adjust settings that control the use of "cookies". What
is a cookie? A "cookie" or "Web cookie" is a term used to describe information
passed from your computer to another computer. The information that is exchanged
is stored on a simple computer file (text .txt file) called a "cookie". Cookies
are often used to pass information between your computer and a computer that
holds/hosts a Web site.
What types of information does a cookie hold and what are they used for?
Cookies are often used to store information that is unique to the person visiting
a particular Web site. They are often used to uniquely identify shoppers while
making an online purchase. While you shop the "cookie" (text file) might contain
information about what you have ordered. This allows the shopping system
to know/track what you have ordered when you check out. Cookies can be used
to store your personal preferences while visiting or logging into a Web site with
your username and password. Web sites can also use cookies to track how and when
you visit the site. Certain types of cookies called "third-party" cookies can be
used to track your movement between multiple Web sites. Cookies do not
pose a threat to your computer in any way. Some people argue that cookies pose
a threat to your online privacy. Return to the "Internet Options" dialog.
Click:
- the "Privacy" tab
- to add a check mark in the box next to "Block popups"
We will discuss "popups" later in this tutorial. Click the "Advanced"
button of the "Internet Options" dialog (see image below). The "Advanced
Privacy Settings" dialog will appear.
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Click:
- in the check box to select "Override automatic cookie handling"
- to select "Prompt" for "First-party Cookies"
- to select "Prompt" for "Third-party Cookies"
- "OK" to save your changes
Click the:
- "Apply" then
- "OK" buttons to close the "Internet Options" dialog
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You will now be prompted each time a Web site wants to use a cookie. This will
allow you to adjust the use of cookies when you initially visit a new Web site.
You can accept cookies from Web sites you know and trust and not accept cookies
from sites that are new or not trusted.
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Click the "Sites Button" on the "Internet Options" dialog to
control the use of cookies by specific Web sites.
- type the name/address of the Web site you want to control
- click the "Block" or "Allow" button to always block or allow cookies from this site
- click "OK" to save any changes you made
NOTE: Some Web site features including "shopping carts" often require the
use of cookies. If the changes we've made interfere with your use of the
Internet click the "Default" button on the "Internet Options" dialog. Any changes
you made will be reset. A little experimentation on your part may be required to
find a balance between functionality and security.
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| Copyright © 1996-2011 Tom Bowser. All rights reserved. |
