[PEN-L:26997] Re: tech question

[ravi <gadfly@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Perelman wrote:
> How does microsoft put a cookie on my system every time I use my
> computer?  Can I block that particular cookie?

microsoft could, but i do not think they do (it would be kind of
extreme, but microsoft has committed such silliness before). they
can and do put a cookie on your system each time you visit any
site that is part of their empire (microsoft, msn, hotmail, etc).
how can you avoid that? choose one of below:

1) get a browser that allows intelligent management of cookies:
	mozilla: http://www.mozilla.org/

2) get some cookie blocking software like:
	junkbuster: http://www.junkbuster.com/ijb.html
	cookiecruncher: http://www.rbaworld.com/Programs/CookieCruncher/

3) fine tune your internet explorer browser:
	startup internet explorer
	from top menu choose tools -> internet options
	click on the security tab
	click on the icon that says "restricted sites"
	then click on the button "Sites..."
	in the window that pops up add:
	microsoft.com
	msn.com
	hotmail.com
	etc...
	you can do finer tuning creating your own custom security
	level and adding microsoft to that level, turning off only
	cookies and enabling other things (that the "restricted
	sites" zone might turn off) that you might want enabled
	(say scripting).
	you can also choose tools -> internet options
	and "delete files" to delete cookies (but all cookies)
	to delete particular cookies you have to find your way to
	your cookie directory and then delete the files

of course #3 doesnt protect you from all microsoft sites. to find
a list of all units of the empire with their own domain names, might
be difficult...

oh did i mention: try using mozilla? http://www.mozilla.org/ ;-)
(URL for opera left out intentionally)

	--ravi