I would love to, but I can't get into chat...something with my computer blocking cookies?? I've yet to figure it out. I am running Zone Alarm, and have my protection set pretty high. I've tried to adjust it, but I think the only way for me to get in is to disable it, and I'm not sure I want to do that....

This is a business/home computer...so I keep things high as a precaution. Expecially with all the threats out an about lately. I'll have to play with it and see if I can work around it.

What are Computer Cookies? A closer look.

While the name may sound chewy and delicious, computer cookies aren't the least bit edible. In this article, we'll answer the question "What are computer cookies?" with the basic information, and you'll see why they can be both a good and an unwanted thing.

They can do everything from monitoring your visit throughout web sites to remembering your log-in information at a particular page. What are computer cookies, though, and why are they necessary? A cookie is a string of text that is saved in the memory of your browser as you visit a web site. This string of information is given a time-sensitive value, from minutes to infinity, and cookies can build up within your browser's memory according to how long they're set to remain valid.

In order to understand what computer cookies are and how they work, think of it like this: A site will add information to your browser cookie file that identifies your particular computer. Depending on the name-value pair specifications, a cookie will allow the site to track how many times you've visited the site, how long you've been on the site, as well as important information about your computer.

What, are computer cookies harmful? Not necessarily. Typically, computer cookies are what allow administrators of a site to better serve their customers (or visitors) needs. The string of information comprising a computer cookie is, for the most part, completely harmless to you and your privacy, as most well known sites use this information simply to tailor viewing or purchasing experiences to visitors.

So, what are computer cookies used for? E-commerce sites implement computer cookie usage for things like shopping carts and checkout options. Computer cookies are what allow these sites to recognize the items you put into your cart. The cookies these sites place on your computer allows the site to monitor you as you continue shopping, and the ID the site gives you tracks items you've placed in the cart and retrieves all of this information when it comes time to finalize your purchase. Without computer cookies, it would be nearly impossible for virtual shopping on these sites to take place.

Computer cookies are also what allow a site to store your preferences. For instance, if you visit a site like Yahoo.com, the cookie Yahoo will place on your computer will allow the site to remember things like where you are located, so that it can tailor information such as movie listings, weather, and other local information for your viewing.

In summary, computer cookies are what allow sites to better track their visitors so that they can know how many visitors have viewed the site, how many repeat visitors they have received, as well as how often a visitor has visited. They also allow the storage of user preferences and the retrieval of this information for viewing customization. Computer cookies are also what allow shopping carts and quick payment methods to work easily.

However, computer cookies are also used in undesirable fashions by some sites to collect information about a viewer, which is compiled into a database that can be sold as lists to other companies that might want to sell you similar products. Computer cookies can not only do the above *good* things, but they can also track ads that click on and purchases that you make, then associate that information with your name, phone number, address and other personal information you may have entered into the site. What computer cookies are capable of doing when used in this way becomes an issue of privacy.

In addition, cookies put on your computer by sites can also leave a trail of information as to what sites you've visited, making your browsing habits available to anyone who may have access to your computer. Clearing out your cookie files on a regular basis is one way to keep all of this information private. You can also set your browser to inform you when a site is trying to place a cookie onto your computer, giving you the option of whether or not to accept it. Deciding which cookies to leave on your computer is up to you, and cleaning your computer cookie files on a regular basis with Privacy Guardian helps keep your memory free, and your privacy guarded throughout all usage.