Many websites require cookies to function properly, but you may not want those little files saved to your computer. According to Microsoft.com, cookies are small text files saved to your hard drive by a website server to help the website remember you (your shopping cart, your saved password and username for the website, for example). Cookies cannot give your computer a virus or be executed as code. By following a few steps, you can clean out the hidden cookies you don't want, as well as fix your settings to only save the cookies you do want.

Deleting Cookies

Every browser is a little different, so you may have to search around for the options. In Mozilla Firefox you select "Tools," "Options," the "Privacy" tab, "Show Cookies" and hit "Remove All Cookies." If you want to remove certain cookies, instead of all, select the ones you want to delete and hit "Remove Cookies." Similarly, in Internet Explorer select "Tools," Internet Options," the "General" tab (if not already selected), "Delete" under "Browsing History," "Delete cookies" and "Yes" in the box that appears. If you are using a different browser, the options should be similar. Look for Internet options and cookie options are usually in either general, privacy or security tabs. Some browsers, such as Netscape, have a "Cookie Manager" in the "Tools Menu."

Changing Preferences

If you change your preferences, you won't have to clean out the hidden cookies manually anymore. You can choose to not accept cookies from sites, though that will probably make some websites work incorrectly. You can accept cookies from only specific websites. You also have the choice of how long your computer keeps the cookies, whether indefinitely or when you close your browser. To tweak your settings in Firefox, select "Tools," "Options" and the "Privacy" tab. There, you can check the boxes you prefer, customizing how your browser deals with cookies. In Internet Explorer, select "Tools," "Internet Options" and the "Privacy tab. You will see a slider under "Settings." Slide the bar to the amount of security you want. Read the descriptions with each change to ensure you are selecting the right option for you. More options can be found by selecting "Advanced," where you can override the automatic cookie handling options.

Source:

Microsoft.com: Information About Cookies

AboutCookies.org: How to Delete Cookies

More Information:

Ask-Leo.com: How Do I Delete Cookies?