http://www.networkadvertising.org/optout_nonppii.asp

By now everyone using the web knows that every site you visit can place a "cookie" on your hard drive to record a few crumbs of information about you.

For the most part, cookies are harmless little pieces of code set inside your "Cookies" file and used by your Internet browser to set your page preferences, welcome you for return visits, and to allow you access to your subscription services.

What is troubling about cookies is advertisers that serve ads from the sites you visit who use "their" cookies to track your visit. This cookie information is added to other stored data about you that has been gathered at other sites creating a a cumulative database on your online travels, habits and preferences.

For enlightenment, set your browser to the "Do Not Accept Any Cookies" option. After you've become worn out from clicking the "OK" button in the warning box that appears each time your browser detects a request to set a cookie on your hard drive you'll be thankful for a new alternative.

The biggest advertisers online have created a method for surfers to opt-out of receiving cookies that track advertising information.

If you'd like to follow this recipe for avoiding advertiser spying on your surfing habits, visit the Network Advertising Initiative web site: http://www.networkadvertising.org/optout_nonppii.asp

This gives you the option to click boxes to opt out of cookies served by the largest six online ad servers: DoubleClick, Engage, 24/7 Media, Matchlogic, Avenue A, L90 Inc.,

It's harmless and easy. They also have a verification process for your browser so you can confirm that you have the correct opt-out cookie on your machine.

Compiled from various resources by:
"The KillerBrownDog" aka Howard J. McCoy