Confused about cookies? Not the chocolate chip variety; the computer-related kind. Here is some information that'll help you understand what cookies do, why they do it, and how to control them.

First, a definition. Cookies are tiny text files which are placed on your computer's hard drive by a Web server, ready for future access. They have many applications, but are mainly used to personalize your Internet search engine by storing information like passwords, Web addresses, and virtual shopping carts. Cookies are important when you personalize a Web page, register for products or services, or shop, because information becomes easy to access each time you re-visit a specific Web site.

Cookies are based on a two-step process. During the first step, after visiting a Web site, a Web server creates text which contains your personalized information and then transmits that information, in a text file, to your hard drive. The second step is for your computer to transfer the text file (cookie) back to the Web server. Whenever you direct your browser to display a Web site, the browser transmits the cookie back to the Web server. This is why you see local weather on your personal Yahoo page or "Welcome Bob" when visiting Amazon.com.

"We use cookies in our programming so that users have a better online experience," says IdeaStar Software Developer Doug Hayes. "Cookies are especially important for consumer Web sites like the health insurance and performing arts sites that IdeaStar develops. And they are vital to larger consumer and password protected sites."

Some people assume that tracking Web activity and storing information with cookies is a problem, because information is being silently gathered and transferred without any notification. However, for the average Internet user, information contained in cookies only improves the Internet experience. Still, knowing that cookies are working behind the scenes doesn't hurt.

Generally, Web browsers are set to automatically delete cookies after a set amount of time, eliminating the need to manually remove them. Similarly, your browser may be set to automatically replace older cookies with newer ones, so that they are constantly adjusting. However, Doug says "It is a good idea to delete cookies if you are using a shared computer. If you don't, there is a chance that the next person could log on and pick up right where you left off. The main thing to remember is that almost everything will be stored (at least temporarily), so be cautious of what information you are sharing."

Although there are some variations, cookies may be controlled in many browsers in the following way:

1. Select Tools, then

2. Options or Internet Options

3. Click the Privacy or Security tab

4. Then follow the instructions for cookies.

Or, you can go to GetNetWise ( http://privacy.getnetwise.org/browsing/tools/ ) and read the instructions on how to change your browser's setting to customize how it manages cookies.(There's even a link to help determine which Web browser you are using.) Keep in mind disabling all cookies, could limit your use of some sites and can prevent you from accessing others.