What are website cookies?

A web site cookie is a small text file that is placed onto your computer when you visit some websites. The text file stores information about you as a visitor, for example if you login into Hotmail to pick up your email and select to remember you a cookie (text file) is stored on your computer. Next time you go to hotmail your email address is already there, which saves you time.

As soon as you mention information is stored about you some people freak out, but in the above example it is useful to you and saves you time. Cookies can store all types of information and are generally useful.

If you are worried about your security on the web you can block them, but you won't be able to use some website if you have them blocked.

To disable in Internet Explorer go to Tools then Internet Options and select the Privacy tab. Move the slider upto High which will block all cookies, which is not recommended.

More information on Cookies and how to add them to your web site