How to Install Cookies on Your Computer
By Will Conley
Installing cookies on your computer is something many websites do to remember who you are and how you prefer to use those websites. In most cases cookies are a safe way to enhance your overall browsing experience. To make this possible, your browser must be set to accept cookies. When this is done, cookies will be automatically installed on your computer by the websites you regularly visit. All it takers is a few simple clicks, depending on the browser you use. (See the "Warnings" and "Tips" sections for any security concerns you might have.)
If You Use Mozilla Firefox
Open your browser.
Click "Tools" in the upper menu bar and then click "Options" from the drop-down menu.
Click the "Privacy" tab.
Check the boxes labeled "Accept cookies from sites" and "Accept third-party cookies."
Select "they expire" under the "Keep until" drop-down menu.
Click "OK."
If You Use Microsoft Internet Explorer
Open your browser.
Click "Tools" in the upper menu bar and then click "Internet Options" from the drop-down menu.
Click the "Privacy" tab.
Move the slider to Medium or Low.
Click "OK."
If You Use Google Chrome
Open your browser.
Click the wrench at upper right and click "Options" from the drop-down menu.
Click the "Under the Hood" tab.
Select "Allow all cookies" under the "Cookie settings" drop-down menu.
Click "Close."
If You Use Opera
Open your browser.
Click "Tools" in upper menu bar and hover your mouse over "Quick Preferences" in the drop-down menu.
Click "Enable Cookies" in the sub-drop-down menu.
If You Use Safari
Open your browser.
Click "Edit" in the upper menu bar and then click "Preferences" at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Click the "Security" tab.
Select "Always" under the "Accept Cookies" section.
Close "Preferences" by clicking the "X" at the upper-right corner of the Preferences box.
Tips
- You may wish to block third parties--such as advertising networks--from placing cookies on your computer on behalf of websites you visit. You can do this via the Preferences or Options sections on your browser.
Warnings
- Cookies are usually a safe way to enhance your browsing experience. However, they do allow websites, advertisers, and other parties to keep track of your browsing patterns. Cookies generally do not remember who you are as an individual, but they do remember your computer and which websites it accesses.
Writer Bio
Will Conley's writing has appeared in print and online since 1999. Publication venues include Salon.com, SlashGear.com, National Journal, Art New England, Pulse of the Twin Cities, Minnesota Daily and ThisBlogRules.com. Will studied journalism at the University of Minnesota. He is working on four fiction and nonfiction books.