Browser Cookies

[CaptTom]

Chrome has a setting that allows you to keep cookies "only until you quit the browser."

That same window has a button to "manage exceptions," where you can add your bank, CF, and any other sites you want to retain cookies between sessions.

Clearing all the rest of the cookies is as easy as closing the browser window.

Cookies by themselves can't spread your personal information around. Web sites can only see the cookies they put there when you last visited.

This is where trackers come in. If MY page contains a picture (even a tiny, one-byte picture) from YOUR server, your server can (1) know that you came from my page, and (2) store whatever cookies it wants. That call to YOUR server can contain header information that MY server put there.

If enough pages use the same tracker site, that tracker's servers can consolidate all your information from the different servers you've visited.

This is why, when you search for widgets at one site, you get ads for widgets at another.

[jcapo]

Firefox has a useful option to only accept cookies from third party sites that you have visited. This blocks a lot of the trackers.

So if MY page has an image from CF and YOU have visited CF, Firefox will accept a cookie from CF. Otherwise the cookie will be tossed. CF is just used as an example.

Tools -> Options -> Privacy -> Accept cookies from sites

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by jcapo

Firefox has a useful option to only accept cookies from third party sites that you have visited. This blocks a lot of the trackers.

Safari has the same options.

[JPA Cate]

Thanks, guys,

This has been quite helpful to me, control freak that I am. ;-)

Ann

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by jcapo

Firefox has a useful option to only accept cookies from third party sites that you have visited. This blocks a lot of the trackers

Thanks!!! I just checked and Chrome has the same thing. Search settings for "cookies" or go to "Privacy" settings and select "Content Settings". There's an option to "block third-party cookies and site data."

Sweet! I learn something new on CF every day!