The following suggestion won't stop all cookies. However, it
will reduce the volume substantially.
However, most tracking cookies relate to a different URL from the
website you are viewing. Upon the assumption that you are using
Internet Explorer as your default browser, you could configure it
to block third party cookies - or to seek permission, before
installing third party cookies.
Open IE
Click on Tools / Internet Options / Privacy / Advanced
Select the following settings:
Check - 'Override automatic cookie handling'
First party cookies - Accept
Check - 'Always allow session cookies'
Third party cookies
- select 'Block', to prevent them completely
- select 'Prompt', for greater control
Click on OK.
If you use the 'Prompt' option, IE will seek permission before it
installs any third party cookie. Fortunately, the pop-up box
does ask whether you want to allow or block all future cookies
from that site. As you block unwanted cookies, the frequency of
future prompts will decline within a comparatively short
timescale.
To provide additional control, I recommend the use of a free
utility - CCleaner (which stands for Crap Cleaner). You can
download CCleaner from
http://filehippo.com/download_ccleaner.
N.B. When you install CCleaner, you don't have to install any
unwanted add-ons (such as the Yahoo toolbar).
Once the program is up and running, you can configure it to
preserve selected cookies. Then you should run it at regular
intervals (I suggest weekly) to delete all other accumulated
cookies. CCleaner can also remove Temporary Internet files and a
lot of other dross.
The program does incorporate a Registry Cleaner, which is an
optional function. You don't need to use it - and should not do
so, unless you really know what you are doing. Even the Regisrty
Cleaner invites you to back-up your changes, many professionals
advise against the use of any Registry Cleaner, because they may
cause major problems for inexperienced users.
