What is the Best Way to Clean Cookies off my Computer?

Internet cookies are short sections of text that are downloaded to your computer when you visit various web sites. In many cases, those cookies make it possible to perform certain tasks while on a web site, such as view photos, post messages, or place an order with an online store. However, it is often recommended that Internet users clean cookies off their hard drives from time to time. There are a couple of ways you can go about accomplishing this task.

One approach is to clean cookies off your hard drive manually. This process is usually very simple and very quick. Most of the more popular search engines make it very easy to access what is known as a Temporary Internet File. This file is where those collected cookies are housed. Locate the selection that is marked to delete cookies and check that selection. By clicking on the delete function associated with your particular search engine, it is possible to wipe all the cookies off the system at one time.

However, if you only want to delete selected cookies, it is also possible to manage that task by highlighting a specific cookie in the listing found in the file. Once you have the cookie highlighted, simply press the delete key and authorize the removal. While this approach will take longer to clean cookies off your hard drive, it does allow you to keep any cookies to sites that you visit on a regular basis.

You can also clean cookies by using an external software product. This is sometimes a good option if you utilize multiple search engines. The Internet cleaner can be set up to examine the cookies associated with each search engine installed on your system, advise you of the contents, and allow you to proceed with the cleaning. Some cookie cleaners even allow you the option of reviewing and selecting which cookies to keep and which ones to remove from the hard drive.

One of the reasons that some experts recommend clearing cookies off the hard drive is that they see the presence of the cookies as an invasion of privacy. This is because some cookies make it possible for the web site to remember you when you return to the site a second time. For example, if you must log into a site to make a purchase or access a forum, the cookies may allow the site to remember your username. This means you only have to enter your access code in order to complete the entry.

These people may also feel that keeping cookies for longer periods of time can create potential for a security breach. This is because some cookies not only remember usernames, but other information as well. Hackers may be able to gain unauthorized entry to the server where the web site is housed, seize the data, and then use it in whatever manner they choose.

As part of basic housekeeping, it is a good idea to clean cookies off your hard drive. While the amount of resources used by the cookies is minimal, it can add up if you never delete any cookies at all. In addition, cleaning cookies from time to time does protect your privacy. While it may mean a few extra seconds to log into your favorite sites, the fact that no one can track your movements based on the cookies is well worth the time.