Would you like a little milk with your cookies?

What do you picture when someone says to you, "would you like a cookie?"  As my saliva glands kick in, I start thinking "a chocolate chip cookie would sure be nice but I would happily settle for an oatmeal raisin, peanut butter or better yet a chocolate no bake."  Excuse me while I wipe my chin.  Well this months' technology page is about cookies but don't get too excited since there won't be any recipes or give-a-ways.   

The cookies to be discussed are those found on your computer.  If you spend any time on the web, your computer has been given more cookies than you or I could eat in a month.  The difference being that the internet cookies are usually unwanted and lack any potential taste value.  Some of you may be asking what is a computer "cookie"?  To make a long story short, cookies are programs that are loaded onto your computer that enable companies to track your internet explorations or even to open internet windows with advertisements on your computer.  

The key "how to" article in this issue is to provide information relative to blocking and ridding yourself of these unwanted computer implantations.  

If you feel comfortable with your abilities and knowledge in cookies, read on for other technological tidbits.

KirkMathias,
Guest Technology Section Editor

How Cookies are Used

When you accept cookies to be placed on your computer it allows companies to track your surfing habits. Of course this is usually under the guise of "we can provide a better service for you if we know what you are interested in."  In reality, it is a marketing ploy used to benefit the companies.  Additionally, some companies sell the collected  information to others for gain.  At the risk of sounding paranoid, do you want information about you or I should say your computer, being used for others to gain money.  While it is true that most companies refrain from connecting your surfing habits with a name address or phone number some companies aren't as careful and the information gets out.

While many cookies do just collect data about a computer with total anonymity, when you fill out forms to enter a specific site, you put your privacy at greater risk.  If you are filling out a form for an internet service, be sure to read their privacy policy carefully.

So, how do you keep these cookies away from your computer?  That is discussed in feature (part 2).

If you haven't visited the Using Technology in Physical Education/Health Education newsletter, here's a link to the September issue.  You will find articles on using biomechanics, fitness and teacher observation software, explanations of DVD's and much more.  

NEW PALM Software!!   Looking for a fitness data collection/organizer software package for you Palm . . . go to Bonnie's Software.

Preventing Cookies from Setting up Shop in your Computer

Make sure your browser is set for maximal privacy.

For internet Explorer 6 you can do this by clicking on Tools/ then Internet Options.  A window will appear that shows a tab title privacy.  Click on that tab.  In the privacy window you will find a slider that allows you to set the amount of privacy you will have.  

If you are using Netscape 6.2 click on 'Tasks' then on 'Security/Privacy'.  You will then have the option to block cookies.

For Internet Explore 5 users, you can do this by clicking on 'Tools' then click on the tab that is titled, 'Security'.  Then click on the 'Custom Level' button.  Scroll down the 'Security Settings' window until you see the option to disable cookies.  You can choose to disable or prompt or enable.   

Regardless of the browser that you choose to use, you will want to experiment with the level of privacy you set.  When the privacy is set too high, many safe sites you visit regularly, will be unavailable to you.  If you set your computer to prompt before putting a cookie on your machine, you will find that surfing because becomes more like a slow wade.  It tends to be very frustrating due to the number of sites that place cookies on your machine.  You will have to find the level of privacy that best matches your surfing habits.  What I do, is set my security at a moderate level and then purge my machine at least once per week.  

Cookies have been placed on your machine, now what?

It's not the end of the world and your computer is not permanently defiled.  

If you are using Internet Explorer 6 you will want to click on 'Tools' and then 'Internet Options'.  Then look for the button that says 'Delete Cookies' and click on it.  This should take care of your current cookie problem although I always go into the 'Settings' button to look at the files and make sure.

If you are using Internet Explorer 5, you will want to click on 'Tools' and then 'Internet Options'.  At this point, clicking delete files does not necessarily rid your machine of all cookies.  Therefore you will need to go into 'Settings' then 'View Files'.  You will then be able to highlight all of the cookies you would like to be rid of and delete them.

If you are using Netscape 6.2 click on 'Tasks' then 'Security/Privacy'.  Then click on 'Cookie Manager' and 'View Stored Cookies'.  From this window you can delete all or just part of your cookies.  

In summary remember that most cookies are not palatable and  regardless of their palatableness, all cookies are like termites . . . they work on the inside.

*Due to available space, all how to information is for PC/IBM users. Mac users will find similarities with slight differences.  Also, only 3 browsers are described.  Other browsers will exhibit similarities with slight differences.

*PELINKS4U is proud of its NO COOKIE policy but our sponsors and links may use them so be on guard!