Web sites use cookies to simulate a continuous connection to that site. This makes it more convenient for users by allowing them to visit pages within a site without having to reintroduce themselves with each mouse click. Contrary to popular fears and misconceptions, cookies were not created to spy on or otherwise invade the privacy of Internet users. Cookies contain only information that users volunteer, and they do not have the capability of infiltrating a user's hard drive and sneaking away with personal information. The simple function of a cookie is that of helping the user navigate a web site with as little obstruction as possible.

Cookies are small data structures used by a web site (server) to deliver data to a web client (user); request that the client store the information; and in certain circumstances, return the information to the web site. Web sites can thus "remember" information about users to facilitate their preferences for a particular site and allow the use of user passwords. The web site may deliver one or more cookies to the client. The client stores cookie data in one or more flat files on its local hard drive.

These cookies take up space on your hard drive, and after extended surfing over a period of time, can affect your systems performance. In this section, we'll show you how to clear these files.
Once you open Internet Explorer, click on TOOLS, and then
on INTERNET OPTIONS. On the first page you see, under the "Temporary Internet files" section click on the DELETE COOKIES... button. The computer will ask you to confirm this, click on OK, and POOF! It deletes them for you.