Should you toss your cookies?

Browser cookies are text files stored by web sites on your computer. We are often asked if people should delete the cookies stored on their computer. Our advise is usually “No”.

By default web browsers will only accept cookies from web sites that you visit. For example if you go to Amazon.com the cookie may contain information about items that you look at on the site. This can be useful for the next time you visit Amazon.com. For example the cookie may help Amazon.com remember that you looked at books by Stephen King the last time you went to the website. Because of the information in the cookie it may suggest a new book by Stephen King during your next visit to the website.

Bank and financial institution websites store cookies to help recognize that your computer has logged into the website before. This will make it somewhat easier to login on subsequent visits, as you may get asked fewer questions to confirm your identity.

Webmail sites can save your login information using a cookie, so that you don’t have to enter your password each time you visit the website should you choose.

You can learn more about browser cookies on Wikipedia.