You have come to this page referred by the last webpage you visited in order to learn more about cookies.

What is a Cookie?

A cookie is a small text file that can store small bits of data on your computer.

What are they used for?

Generally cookies are used to enable the website to function correctly, by storing where you are in a particular transaction or part of the site, so that the next page you visit can be tailored to your needs. However they are also used for other purposes like performance analysis, website statistics and advertising targeting. Here is a breakdown of the common classifications:

1) Strictly necessary
These cookies are essential to enable the website to function, for you to navigate. Without these you will not be able to use the site. For example a shopping cart would not function without these.

2) Functional cookies
These log information about options you may have selected and enable a website to tailor the information presented to you in a more personalised way.
The cookies might also include flash cookies – which can be set using this link here: http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager07.html

This may also include social sharing elements like ‘share’ or ‘like’

3) Performance cookies
Most websites will use tools for ensuring they deliver a quality and responsive service to their users. Its used in reporting data and helps the website owner design, measure and optimise their pages for the best user experience. The website owner may share this data with 3rd parties who they may outsource the analysis and benchmarking to. Generally all this data is anonymous and not identifiable to you.

4) Advertising Tracking
Most advertisers use cookies to understand whether you’ve seen an advert and whether to display it again. This is commonly called behavioural advertising and is used by many of the large advertising networks.

Managing cookies in your browser

Most modern browsers will allow you to:

See what cookies you’ve got and delete them on an individual basis.

Block third party cookies.
Block cookies from particular sites.
Block all cookies from being set.
Delete all cookies when you close your browser.

You should be aware that any settings may be lost if you delete cookies. Ironically, this includes where you have opted out from cookies, as this requires an opt-out cookie to be set. Also, if you block cookies completely many websites will not work properly and some functionality on these websites will not work at all. Its important not to just turn off cookies blindly as they may considerable hinder your online experience.

The links below take you to the ‘Help’ sections for each of the major browsers so that you can find out more about how to manage your cookies.

Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/196955

Safari
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Safari/5.0/en/9277.html

Google Chrome
http://support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=95647

Firefox
http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/Cookies

Google Chrome
http://support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=95647

Opera
http://www.opera.com/browser/tutorials/security/privacy/

Safari iPhone and ipad
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1677

Android
http://support.google.com/mobile/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=169022

Blackberry
http://docs.blackberry.com/en/smartphone_users/deliverables/32004/Turn_off_cookies_in_the_browser_60_1072866_11.jsp

Windows Phone
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-us/howto/wp7/web/changing-privacy-and-other-browser-settings.aspx