Cookies are files stored on your hard drive. These files are downloaded from frequented websites and usually are used as a tool for faster communication with a previously visited server. These small files hide in your computer so that your browser and websites can track your browsing sessions and save useful information, such as account names and passwords, for quick retrieval.
Although cookies may seem harmless overall, they can threaten your privacy if an attacker tries to use them maliciously. This is why cookies usually are targeted by antispyware programs and many system security and protection applications suggest they be deleted. In the instructions below, you can read how to delete cookies from your computer manually from the four most used Internet browsers.
Deleting cookies in Internet Explorer®:
- Launch the Internet Explorer® browser.
- Click on the “Tools” icon and in the menu select “Internet Option”.
- Click on the “Delete” button in the “Browsing History” section.
- Check the “Cookies” checkbox and click on the “Delete” button.
Deleting cookies in Google Chrome℠:
- Launch the Google Chrome℠ browser.
- Click the wrench button in the upper-right corner of the Chrome℠ window and select “Settings”.
- Click on the “Show advanced settings…” link at the bottom of the page.
- Click on the “Clear browsing data…” button in the “Privacy” section.
- Check the “Delete cookies and other site and plug-in data” checkbox and then click on the “Clear browsing data” button.
Deleting cookies in Mozilla® Firefox®:
- Launch the Mozilla® Firefox® browser.
- In the main navigation, go to “Tools > Options”.
- Switch to the “Privacy” tab and click on the “remove individual cookies” link.
- Click on the “Remove All cookies” button at the bottom of the dialog.
Deleting cookies in Safari®:
- Launch the Safari® browser.
- Click on the “Gears menu” in the upper-right corner of the Safari® window and select “Reset Safari®”.
- Check the “Remove all website data” checkbox.
- Click on the “Reset” button.
