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All about cookies.

How do I enable cookies?    |    I want to learn more about cookies   |   Can I see what a cookie looks like?

What is a cookie? Learning more about cookies.

If you've used Internet banking at all, you may have come across a page that says "you must have cookies enabled to use this service". This is because the bank's web site need to verify you for obvious security reasons, and they do this by setting a cookie on your computer when you first log in. A cookie is a tiny file (called a string) that holds essential information about you which is accessed during your 'session' online. It is normally destroyed once you log off. Cookies can have pre-set expiry times or dates - such as 20 minutes from log in, or 30 days from first accessing a web site.

So what does the cookie look like? You can see the contents of a cookie set by our web sites by going to 'Search' on your PC, and typing '@Owners' without the single quotes. If you're an XP user, you'll find your cookies are stored in the following location : C:\Documents and Settings\yourprofilename\Cookies.

Our cookies are perfectly harmless, cannot damage your computer and only store your user information. We do not collect information about you. We only use them to protect your personal pages from prying eyes. We verify you as you visit each page within the Owners' section, just to protect you and your personal details.

To enable cookies, follow these simple instructions:-

Choose browser => Microsoft Internet Explorer (most users) | Netscape | Mozilla Firefox | AOL |  MAC users

Windows Internet Explorer 6.x Browser

Select Tools
Select Internet Options
Select the Privacy tab.
Select Advanced
Deselect override automatic cookie handling button
Click on the OK button at the bottom of the screen.
Click OK to exit

Netscape 7.x

Click Edit on the Toolbar.
Click Preferences
Click the Privacy and Security category; expand the list to show the subcategories.
Click Cookies
Three options are displayed. Click the appropriate choice:
Disable cookies
Enable cookies for the originating web site only
Enable all cookies
If you want to be notified when a web site tries to set a cookie, select "Warn me before accepting a cookie."

AOL 9.0

From the AOL Toolbar, select Settings.
Select Internet [Web] Options
Select Use your Internet Explorer Settings to set advanced browser options.
Select the Privacy tab
Select Advanced
Deselect override automatic cookie handling button
Click OK to exit.

AOL 8.0
From the AOL Toolbar, select Settings.
Select Preferences
Select Internet Properties (WWW)
Select the Privacy tab
Select Advanced
Deselect override automatic cookie handling button
Click OK to exit.

AOL 7.0 with IE 6.x
From the AOL Toolbar, select Settings.
Select Preferences
Select Internet Properties (WWW)
Select the Privacy tab
Select Advanced
Deselect override automatic cookie handling button
Click OK to exit.

AOL 7.0 with IE 5.5
From the AOL Toolbar, select Settings.
Select Preferences
Select Internet Properties (WWW)
Select the Security tab
Select the Custom Level tab
Under "Allow Cookies that are stored on your computer" click "Enable"
Under "Allow per-session cookies (not stored)" click "Enable"
Select OK, Yes you want to save the settings

AOL 6.0
From the AOL Toolbar, select Settings
Select Preferences
Select Internet Properties (WWW)
Select the Security tab
Select the Custom Level tab
Under "Allow Cookies that are stored on your computer" click "Enable"
Under "Allow per-session cookies (not stored)" click "Enable"
Select OK, Yes you want to save the settings

AOL 5.0
Go to My AOL
Pick WWW
Click the Security tab
Go to Custom Level
Scroll down to find Cookie
Click "Enable"
Click OK

AOL 4.0
Click on Preferences
Select on the WWW button
Click on the Advanced tab
Select the "Accept all cookies" checkbox

Mozilla Firefox Browsers
From the Edit menu, choose Preferences.
Open the Privacy & Security category.
Select Cookies.
Choose the radio button marked "Enable all cookies".
In most cases, this is the best choice.
If you want to be notified when Communicator accepts a cookie, check "Ask me before storing a cookie".

Mac IE 5.x
Click Edit
Select Preferences
Under the Receiving Files option, select Cookies
Under "When receiving cookies:" select the desired level of cookie acceptance
Click OK to finish

Mac IE 4.x

Go to My AOL on the menu bar
Pick WWW
Go to the Advanced Settings option on the Category menu
Click "Cookies"
When receiving cookies: Click "Never Ask"
Click OK

 

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