OT: what do you do with cookies?

[taragem]

I have my browser (Firefox v.2) set to notify me every time a website
wants to set a cookie. Even thought I know 99% of cookies are benign,
I still don't like remote computers accessing my HD willynilly and
setting tracking cookies.

I block the vast majority of cookies, particularly third-party, unless
they're required for logons, ordering or some other necessary use. But
it can be a pain to manually block cookies and some websites are very
persistent and will keep trying to set the same cookie until I set a
block for that specific website. Occasionally, I purge all cookies and
start with a clean slate.

On the other hand, cookies can be very valuable in tailoring a website
to its visitors. Ironically, I use cookies on my own website, but only
for my stat counter and you only have to block it once (per webpage)
and it won't keep bugging you.

 

[jaster]

I have my browser (Firefox v.2) set to notify me every time a website
wants to set a cookie. Even thought I know 99% of cookies are benign, I
still don't like remote computers accessing my HD willynilly and setting
tracking cookies.

I block the vast majority of cookies, particularly third-party, unless
they're required for logons, ordering or some other necessary use. But
it can be a pain to manually block cookies and some websites are very
persistent and will keep trying to set the same cookie until I set a
block for that specific website. Occasionally, I purge all cookies and
start with a clean slate.

On the other hand, cookies can be very valuable in tailoring a website
to its visitors. Ironically, I use cookies on my own website, but only
for my stat counter and you only have to block it once (per webpage) and
it won't keep bugging you.

I set allow per session cookies so cookies are wiped when I exit Firefox.
I set exceptions to allow cookies I trust or need, like yahoo.com and
block cookies from sites I don't need like google.com, doubleclick.com.

You could turn off all cookies, then allow cookies from sites you need.
You could you use Firefox add-on Stealth that allows you to block and
unblock cookies from the tools menu. You should also block java and
javascript except when needed for sites you like or need.

 

[Linux Geek]

I have my browser (Firefox v.2) set to notify me every time a website
wants to set a cookie. Even thought I know 99% of cookies are benign,
I still don't like remote computers accessing my HD willynilly and
setting tracking cookies.

I block the vast majority of cookies, particularly third-party, unless
they're required for logons, ordering or some other necessary use. But
it can be a pain to manually block cookies and some websites are very
persistent and will keep trying to set the same cookie until I set a
block for that specific website. Occasionally, I purge all cookies and
start with a clean slate.

On the other hand, cookies can be very valuable in tailoring a website
to its visitors. Ironically, I use cookies on my own website, but only
for my stat counter and you only have to block it once (per webpage)
and it won't keep bugging you.

Eat them??

--

__________________________________________________________________
Linux Geek

Saying that XP is the most stable MS OS is like saying that
asparagus is the most articulate vegetable. (Dave Barry)

 

[Paul]

I have my browser (Firefox v.2) set to notify me every time a website
wants to set a cookie. Even thought I know 99% of cookies are benign,
I still don't like remote computers accessing my HD willynilly and
setting tracking cookies.

I block the vast majority of cookies, particularly third-party, unless
they're required for logons, ordering or some other necessary use. But
it can be a pain to manually block cookies and some websites are very
persistent and will keep trying to set the same cookie until I set a
block for that specific website. Occasionally, I purge all cookies and
start with a clean slate.

On the other hand, cookies can be very valuable in tailoring a website
to its visitors. Ironically, I use cookies on my own website, but only
for my stat counter and you only have to block it once (per webpage)
and it won't keep bugging you.

I don't currently have any cookies worth keeping, so a simple "delete them
all" works for me. I delete private data on a regular basis, and blow that
stuff away. It does mean the occasional resetting of some settings on web
sites, but the fact that my "habits" are not being tracked, makes it all
worthwhile.

I wouldn't have bothered doing this, only a few weeks back, Google decided
I was a "bot" and refuse my search queries. Blowing away the cookies made it
work again. So Google kinda ruined it for themselves - they pointed out
the fact that the cookies held nothing of value to me, and should be deleted
more frequently.

Paul

 

[Guest]

I have my browser (Firefox v.2) set to notify me every time a website
wants to set a cookie. Even thought I know 99% of cookies are benign,
I still don't like remote computers accessing my HD willynilly and
setting tracking cookies.

I block the vast majority of cookies, particularly third-party, unless
they're required for logons, ordering or some other necessary use. But
it can be a pain to manually block cookies and some websites are very
persistent and will keep trying to set the same cookie until I set a
block for that specific website. Occasionally, I purge all cookies and
start with a clean slate.

On the other hand, cookies can be very valuable in tailoring a website
to its visitors. Ironically, I use cookies on my own website, but only
for my stat counter and you only have to block it once (per webpage)
and it won't keep bugging you.

What you want is EmpTemp with EmpRunner from ...
http://www.danish-shareware.dk/soft/emptemp/
Sits in the systray. Freeware and very nice!

 

[taragem]

What you want is EmpTemp with EmpRunner from ...http://www.danish-shareware.dk/soft/emptemp/
Sits in the systray. Freeware and very nice!

"Also emptemp will let you list and delete cookies, history files and
temporary internet files (this requires MS Internet Explorer version
5+). "

Thanks, but no thanks. I've already had my computer compromised
(through a firewall) by using IE. I'll stick to FF.

Besides, I already have a program that does what emptemp does (System
Mechanic 7).

 

[John Doe]

"Also emptemp will let you list and delete cookies, history files
and temporary internet files (this requires MS Internet Explorer
version 5+). "

Thanks, but no thanks. I've already had my computer compromised
(through a firewall) by using IE. I'll stick to FF.

I've been on the Internet for a very long time using Internet
Explorer. It's not that vulnerable.

Besides, I already have a program that does what emptemp does
(System Mechanic 7).

Frequently someone will answer a question for the benefit of anyone
viewing the thread, not just for the original poster.

In answer to the original question, I delete cookies regularly.

 

[ProfGene]

I have my browser (Firefox v.2) set to notify me every time a website
wants to set a cookie. Even thought I know 99% of cookies are benign,
I still don't like remote computers accessing my HD willynilly and
setting tracking cookies.

I block the vast majority of cookies, particularly third-party, unless
they're required for logons, ordering or some other necessary use. But
it can be a pain to manually block cookies and some websites are very
persistent and will keep trying to set the same cookie until I set a
block for that specific website. Occasionally, I purge all cookies and
start with a clean slate.

On the other hand, cookies can be very valuable in tailoring a website
to its visitors. Ironically, I use cookies on my own website, but only
for my stat counter and you only have to block it once (per webpage)
and it won't keep bugging you.

Apparently keeping too many cookies and history on your computer can
cause problems like connectivity to chat rooms according to a recent
call I made about mini breaks in my connection. The tech support had me
delete cookies and history and my connection lasted longer in the
problem program. Any unwanted intrusion into your computer will slow it
down and cause problems eventually.