What is a cookie and how is it used?

If you're a user of the Internet, you've probably heard of the term cookie in relationship to information that can be placed on your computer. A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers downloaded on to your computer when you access certain websites. Cookies allow a website to recognise your preferences when you return to the site.

A cookie does not contain or collect information, but when it is read by a server in conjunction with a web browser, it can help websites deliver a more user-friendly service - for example, remembering your previous purchases or account details.

Cookies are filed in the memory of your browser and contain a randomly-generated, unique number, which a website’s server uses to recognise you when you return to the site or browse from page to page. Only that particular server can read, and therefore use, that cookie.

Cookies we use

Depending on the type of cookie we use, cookies also allow us to make our website more user-friendly. For example, permanent cookies allow us to save your password so that you do not have to re-enter it every time you visit our website.

If you wish, you can usually adjust your browser so your computer does not accept cookies. If you do this, you will still be able to browse around the site, but the functions that allow you to add items to your trolley, set up a new account or access an existing account, will not be available.

Alternatively, you can adjust your browser to tell you when a website tries to put a cookie on your computer. How you adjust your browser to stop it accepting cookies or to notify you of them, will depend on the type of internet browser programme your computer uses.

If your computer uses Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, you can visit the www.aboutcookies.org (thedealchannel.co.uk is not responsible for the content of external websites) and complete the following instructions:

Go to the heading 'target=Manage Cookies'. Click onto the option you prefer, either stopping cookies being installed, or notifying you of them. From the list provided, click onto the programme which your computer uses. If this is not shown on the list, click on the 'help' heading on the bar at the top of this page and search for information on 'cookies'. Follow the instructions on how to delete cookies.