What are cookies?

Cookies are a small text files that websites put on your computer to store information about you and your preferences.

What are cookies used for?

Websites use cookies to offer a personalized experience to users and to gather information about website use. Many websites also use cookies to store information that provides a consistent experience between sections of the site, such as a shopping cart or customized pages. With a trusted website, cookies can enrich your experience by allowing the site to learn your preferences or allowing you to skip having to sign in every time you go to the website. However, some cookies, such as those saved by banner ads, might put your privacy at risk by tracking sites you visit.

Can I block cookies?

Yes, you can block or allow cookies on all websites or you can choose which websites' cookies are allowed. For more information, see Block, enable, or allow cookies.

Should I block all cookies?

Not necessarily. Blocking all cookies can help protect your privacy, but it might limit your experience on some websites. Be selective about which websites you allow cookies for. You can start by blocking all cookies, then allow cookies as needed for websites that you trust.

How do I delete cookies?

To delete cookies in IE, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button. In the search box, type Internet Explorer, and then, in the list of results, click Internet Explorer.
2.Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
3.On the General tab, under Browsing history, click Delete.
4.Select the Cookies check box, and then click Delete if it isn't already checked. Clear or select check boxes for any other options you also want to delete. If you want to keep cookies for your saved favorites, select the Preserve Favorites website data check box.

Notes: Deleting all cookies might cause some webpages to work incorrectly. If you don't change any check boxes, deleting the browsing history removes temporary Internet files, webpage history, and cookies. It preserves temporary files and cookies for your saved favorite websites.

What are Temporary cookies?

Temporary cookies (or session cookies) are removed from your computer after you close Internet Explorer. Websites use them to store temporary information, such as items in a shopping cart.

What are Persistent cookies?

Persistent cookies (or saved cookies) remain on your computer after you close Internet Explorer. Websites use them to store information, such as a sign-in name and password so that you don't have to sign in each time you go to a particular site. Persistent cookies can remain on your computer for days, months, or even years.

What are first-party cookies?

First-party cookies come from the website that you're viewing and can be either persistent or temporary. Websites might use these cookies to store information that they'll reuse the next time you go to that site.

What are third-party cookies?

Third-party cookies come from other websites' advertisements (such as pop-up or banner ads) on the website that you're viewing. Websites might use these cookies to track your web use for marketing purposes.

For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie