The easiest way for a user to find computer cookies is through the use of cookie tracking software; these programs are usually small, free to download and install, and easy to use. If a user knows the name of a specific cookie, they can also try to find it using their computer’s file search function. Some cookies are registered as hidden files, however, they will not appear in searches if the user does not allow the hidden files to be seen. However, the most common way for people to find computer cookies is through the cookie lookup functionality built into their web browsers. Each web browser has its own unique method of displaying cookies to the user.
Each web browser has a unique method of storing and displaying user data and preferences.
In one of the most common browsers, Internet Explorer, users begin to find computer cookies by clicking the “Tools” button, followed by “Internet Options.” Users then need to go to the “General” tab and click “Settings” under “Browser History”. Another window will appear, called “Temporary Files and Internet History Settings”. By clicking on “View files”, users will be able to examine the different temporary files created during navigation, including web cookies. Alternatively, users can look in the “Temporary Internet Files” folder and directly place the cookies on the computer.
People who use Google Chrome to browse can find computer cookies by first clicking the wrench button.
Firefox, another frequently used web browser, allows users to find computer cookies by going to the “Privacy” tab. Users start by clicking the “Firefox” button. If the user’s operating system is Mac, they should continue to click on “Preferences”; a personal computer (PC) user should click “Options”. A new dialog should appear containing a tab called “Privacy”. Depending on the version of Firefox in use, users can click “Show all cookies” or “Delete individual cookies” under “Privacy”. This will show all the cookies saved during the use of the browser.
People who use Google Chrome to browse can find computer cookies by first clicking the wrench button. PC users should click “Options”, Mac and Linux users should click “Preferences” and Chrome OS users should continue by clicking “Settings”. Users should click “Advanced Settings” followed by “Content Settings”. Users will be able to see the HTTP cookies created while browsing by clicking on “All cookies and site data”.
Users often do not need to find computer cookies on their systems, as the files are text data intended to store information and user authentication. Like text data, cookies cannot be viruses or other malicious programming, so they are generally harmless. However, cookies store data related to the behavior of the user’s browser and can be accessed by third parties for advertising or tracking purposes. As such, some people feel the need to regularly delete any suspicious browser cookies they come across.
You can manually remove cookies from your computer by going to the folder where they are stored and deleting them.
