Basically, the cookie helps a website's server recognize a user. The cookie acts as a computerized ticket stub or hand stamp. It's assigned to the User by a server on the first visit to a site, and then later recalled by that same server. This allows the server to better identify the user when they visit, aid their progress through a site, and provide customized information to that user.
A cookie can acquire only the information a User makes available to a website. A cookie cannot "read" a hard drive, or figure out a name or address.
When a user visits a site that asks for a name and address, if that site has configured a cookie to store that information, then that site's cookie will retain it.
We want you to know why we're sending a cookie, and why we hope you'll accept it.
Your browser can be configured to accept all cookies, or to alert you every time a cookie is offered - allowing you to decide whether to accept it or not. If the cookie has an expiration date, the alert message will indicate that, so you can see the lifespan of the cookie (many cookies are set to expire as soon as you quit the browser).
Note: Refusing cookies can be cumbersome, as some servers are set to keep offering the cookie as the User moves through new parts of the site, until it is accepted.
You can always view the cookies you've accepted, and delete them if you wish.
For Windows Systems:
If you are using Internet Explorer, from the Tool Bar:
For Mozilla Firefox: