Cookies

Many web sites ask you to "enable cookies".  This means when you register at a site your computer can keep your log on information and the site will recognize you each time to surf to it.

It's quick and easy to turn on the cookies feature.

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a unique identifier sent to your computer by a Web server and stored on your computer's hard drive. This authenticated tag lets a server identify you. Cookies allow us to recognize previous visitors to our site; record a visitor's progress on our site (including which pages are visited and how much time is spent on each page); track the page visited before coming to the site; track the page linked to when leaving ; maintain search and purchase histories; and recall certain information that a visitor previously entered. A cookie is what allows many sites to greet you upon every return with a message such as, "Hi, Billy Bob! Welcome back."

Why do web sites use cookies?

One site, where you can shop for airfares, called  "Hotwire" explains it this way: "We use cookies to improve your shopping experience and reduce the time it takes for you to complete a purchase. Our cookies do not include any personal information, but they do help us track which of our Web pages are visited and what services are most often used. Please note that in order to use our site, your cookies must be turned on. However, be assured that Hotwire does not and cannot use cookies to retrieve personal information about you from your computer that you did not knowingly and voluntarily provide to us. f you have any questions regarding Hotwire's data collection, please review our Privacy Policy."

IHow do I turn on my cookies?

You can usually find your cookies settings in one of your Web browser's drop-down menus. Making the adjustment to your settings is simple! Start by clicking on a link below to get help for your specific browser.

Internet Explorer Version 5
Internet Explorer Version 4
Internet Explorer Version 3
Macintosh/Power PC Systems Using Internet Explorer 3 or 4
IBM-compatible Systems Using AOL
Macintosh/Power PC Systems Using AOL
Macintosh/Power PC Systems Using Netscape

Internet Explorer Version 5
1. From the "Tools" menu, select "Internet Options."
2. Click on the "Security" tab.
3. If the security level is set to "Custom," you can change it to another setting (we recommend "Medium") or click the "Custom Level" button. Then, under "Cookies," click on "Enable" for both options.
4. Click on the "OK" button.
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Internet Explorer Version 4
1. From the "View" menu, select "Internet Options."
2. Click on the "Security" tab.
3. Under "Security," find the "Cookies" section and select "Always Accept Cookies."
4. Click on the "OK" button.
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Internet Explorer Version 3
1. From the "View" menu, select "Preferences."
2. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
3. In the "Warnings" section, make sure that "Warn Before Accepting Cookies" is not checked.
4. Click on the "OK" button.
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Macintosh/Power PC Systems Using Internet Explorer 3 or 4
1. From the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences."
2. Under "Receiving Files," choose "Cookies."
3. For "When Receiving Cookies," select "Never Ask."
4. Click on the "OK" button.
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IBM-compatible Systems Using AOL
Depending on which software you're using, this may be a two-step process:

Part 1
1. Click on "MY AOL."
2. Click on "Preferences."
3. Click WWW.

Part 2
Once you are viewing the WWW box, you will have to try each of the following methods. Either one or the other should address your needs.

Version A
4. Click on the "Security" tab.
5. If the security level is set to "Custom," you can change it to another setting (we recommend "Medium") or click the "Custom Level" button. Then, under "Cookies," click on "Enable" for both options.

Version B
4. Click on the "Advanced" tab.
5. Under "Security," find the "Cookies" section and select "Always Accept Cookies."
6. Click on the "OK" button.
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Macintosh/Power PC Systems Using AOL
1. From the "My AOL" menu on the AOL toolbar, select "Preferences."
2. Select the "WWW" icon.
3. Click on "Advanced Settings."
4. Under "Receiving Files," choose "Cookies."
5. For "When Receiving Cookies," select "Never Ask."
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