how to delete computer cookies easily

Cookies are text files stored on your computer by websites you visit. They are often used to store website settings, such as preferred language and current status. Every time you visit a website, the browser receives a necessary cookie and sends that information to the site. This article will tell you how to delete computer cookies easily.

In addition to website settings, cookies can also store personal information such as your name, email address, home address and phone number. The good news is that this can only happen if you provide the data to a website (for example, in an online form) [source: Firefox Help ].

how to delete computer cookies

Unfortunately, malicious websites can use cookies to track your history and behavior, online purchases or other personal information. Fortunately, you can eliminate the problem by deleting cookies from your computer.

Here’s how to delete cookies in Internet Explorer 8:

• Quit IE 8 and close all open Windows Explorer windows.
• Click Start on the Windows desktop.
• Type inetcpl.cpl in the Start Search box (Vista) or Run box (XP).
• Click Add to open the Internet Properties dialog box with the General tab displayed.
• Select Delete in the browser history section. This will open the Delete Browsing History dialog box.
• Make sure the cookies box is the only one checked
• Click Remove [source: Microsoft Support].

Here’s how to delete cookies in Firefox 3.5 and 3.6:

• Click Options on the Tools menu.
• Click on the privacy tab.
• Select Use custom settings for history from the Firefox to: drop-down list.
• Select the Show Cookies button to open the Cookies dialog.
• Click Remove All [source: Firefox Help].

Here’s how to delete cookies in Google Chrome:

• Click the thumb icon on the right side of the toolbar.
• Select Options.
• Click on the Under the Hood tab.
• Select Content Settings in the Privacy section.
• Click on Cookies under Features.
• Click Show cookies and other site data.
  Click Remove All [source: Google Chrome Help].