Any Internet user reading this report can find out how extensive the \u201ccookies\u201d phenomenon is by reading his or her own cookie file. <\/p>\n\n
Finding cookies on a Windows computer<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n On a Windows machine, click the \u201cStart\u201d button, go to pop up menu to \u201cFind\u201d and then click on \u201cFiles or Folders.\u201d When the \u201cFind all Files\u201d window pops up make sure the \u201cName & Location\u201d screen is open and type \u201ccookies\u201d on the line for \u201cNamed.\u201d Make sure the search is being conducted on your \u201clocal hard drive\u201d (usually drive C) and then click \u201cFind Now.\u201d Open the cookies text document. A cookie set by CNN\u2019s Web site, for example, will begin \u201c.cnn.com TRUE \u2026\u201d In Netscape, you can delete a cookie by clicking on it and hitting the delete key. Be sure to save your edited cookie file. In Internet Explorer, go to \u201cTools,\u201d select Internet Options. Under the \u201cGeneral\u201d tab, select the \u201cSettings\u201d button and the \u201cView Files.\u201d Click on the \u201cname\u201d header to alphabetize the files, then scroll down to the files that begin with cookies.\u00a0 Individually delete each cookie file that you wish to remove.<\/p>\n\n Finding and disabling cookies on a Macintosh computer<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n If you\u2019re a Macintosh user, finding your cookies is a little different and depends on which browser you use. If you use Netscape, go to your systems folder and select \u201cpreferences.\u201d In the folder, there is a text file called \u201cMagicCookies\u201d which lists all of the cookies on your hard drive. This file is for viewing only and cannot be edited. If you would like to edit your cookie file, you will need to download a free piece of software called \u201cCookieCutter\u201d at http:\/\/www.macdownload.com\/<\/a> that allows you to edit your cookie file selectively. To disable cookies in Netscape, open a Communicator window and pull down the \u201cEdit\u201d menu and select \u201cPreferences,\u201d and then \u201cAdvanced.\u201d Select one of the four levels of protection you desire, and then click OK. Re-start your browser to put your choice into effect. <\/p>\n\n If you use Internet Explorer, open a browser window, pull down the \u201cEdit\u201d menu, select \u201cPreferences.\u201d Scroll down the menu and double-click on \u201cCookies.\u201d All of the cookies on your computer will be listed along with choices from \u201cnever ask\u201d (or accept all cookies) to \u201cnever accept.\u201d<\/p>\n\n Disabling cookies on a Windows computer <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n Please note: All information is for the latest version of each browser.<\/p>\n\n Launch Netscape and open a new browser window. Select the \u201cEdit\u201d pull down menu, and on the menu select \u201cPreferences.\u201d In the white “Category:” column, select \u201cAdvanced.\u201d In the Cookies section, Netscape gives you four choices–to accept all cookies, to accept only the cookies that get sent back to the originating server (and thus do not stay on your hard drive), to disable all cookies, or to warn you every time you are being asked to accept a cookie. Select your desired option and click OK. Close and then re-start Netscape to begin browsing with your selected level of protection.<\/p>\n\n Launch Internet Explorer and open a new browser window. Pull down the \u201cTools\u201d menu and select \u201cInternet Options.\u201d In Internet Options, select the top \u201cSecurity\u201d tab. Select the \u201cInternet\u201d icon (a globe) and click on the \u201cCustom Level\u201d button. Scroll down through the options until you encounter “cookies.” IE breaks up its options for cookies that are stored on your computer and those which are not. To block stored cookies, go to the first section and select Disable. To be warned each time your computer is asked to receive a cookie, select Prompt. To block or be warned about unsaved cookies, select Disable or Prompt in that section. <\/p>\n\n For more information and detailed instructions on how to find, disable and delete cookies, check the State of Michigan Attorney General\u2019s site on cookies at: http:\/\/www.ag.state.mi.us\/AGWebSite\/inet_info\/ii_cookie01.htm<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n
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