What are cookies?

Cookies are little pieces of data that can be stored on your web browser. Cookies are usually set by applications that are running on a web site you visit. The most common use of cookies are for visitor tracking, and limited customization.

For tracking purposes, sites may place a cookie into your browser that is a simple time stamp, with that stamp they can monitor your trip through a site. For customization, a cookie can store data that can represent how you view a web site. This form of customization is limited because a cookie is unique to a browser, not a user.

Are cookies a security threat?

No, not really, cookies cannot access your system or retrieve information that isn't already broadcast by your web browser. Cookies cannot access your harddrive or send information about your computer system. Cookies are just simply a data storage system.

How to Enable Cookies

To enable cookies, follow the instructions below for the browser version you are using. Once you've enabled cookies, click here to create your profile.

Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x

• Select "Internet Options" from the Tools menu.
• Click on the "Security" tab.
• Click "Custom Level" button.
• Scroll down to the "Cookies" section.
• To enable:
  • Set "Allow cookies that are stored on your computer" to "Enable".
  • Set "Allow per-session cookies" to "Enable".
• Click "OK".

Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.x

• Select "Internet Options" from the View menu.
• Click on the "Advanced" tab.
• Scroll down to find "Cookies" within the "Security" section.
• Select "Always accept cookies".
• Click "OK".

Netscape Communicator 6.x

• Select "Preferences" from the Edit menu.
• Find the "Cookies" section in the "Privacy and Security" category.
• Select "Accept all cookies" (or "Enable all cookies").
• Click "OK".