What are cookies?

[andrea]

My computer is running very slow. SOmeone suggested that I delete some cookies. What are cookies? How do I find them? And what ones should I delete? I have dial up internet which is slow anyway.

[CarolU]

There are two things you should clear, one is cookies, the other is Temporary Internet Files.

Everytime you go to a site, a cookie is placed on your computer. This isn't bad really, it helps the computer load the page faster the next time you go there BUT it does take up memory on your computer.

Click on Tools on your uppermost toolbar. At the bottom of that drop down window is Internet Options, click on it. In the middle of that window you'll see buttons for your cookies and files. Clear both. It may take awhile if you haven't done it for a long time.

[Abejita]

also do a spyware scan.Many times it comes in the form of a cookie..but it continually runs ,tracking your internet browsing.Some of these are actually imbedded in software you add to your comp and the user agreement specifically tells you it is on there and you allow it.How many of us actually read all that stuff??
You might have spyware scanning ability on your comp,might have to go somewhere to get it.

McAffee has it but to be honest my McAffee has NEVER found a spyware :mad: ..I run my earthlink spyware program and find them and I think Microsoft has a free one you can download from their site.

[andrea]

Found the cookies. Thank you

[CarolU]

spybot.com is free spyware. Works well too. If you have Yahoo's tool bar, it has a spyware blocker with it. Works pretty well.