04/ 15/ 2002
You may want to turn down this offer. In today's high tech world, a "cookie" is not a tasty little snack to accompany a glass of milk. Instead, a cookie is an invisible file that is electronically inserted into your computer when you download materials from some internet web sites. There are multiple purposes for cookies, with the central purpose of identifying your individual computer's activity on the internet. In today's Workshop, Edith Helmich discusses what you should be cautious of when surfing the net.
A cookie is only one component of the ways that information about your computer use can be obtained without your knowledge. Others include:
- E-mail -- Your IP (Internet Provider) address can be captured by opening
- Downloads -- By running an executable program (one ending in .exe) virtually anything can be read from your computer's hard drive: Files can be read, hidden "computer virus" programs can be loaded, even programs that allow others to run your computer over the Internet can be installed without your knowledge.
The enormous data interplay that is activated every time a person signs onto the internet has a privacy price. In most instances, the privacy loss involves information that is of little concern and is used to assist future transmissions. You can, however, narrow the door and limit entry into your computer's private workings by taking a few simple precautions.
- E-commerce sites should offer an explanation of their privacy policy. Avoid sites that don't have a policy.
- Limit the amount of personal data you voluntarily provide (address, telephone, income level, etc.). Don't provide "optional" information.
- Say "no" when you are offered the option of having your personal data shared with other groups.
- Shop only at "secure" sites that display the encryption symbols of a locked padlock or an unbroken key before transmitting a credit card number.
- Clear your WWW files (Internet) of recent history records, cookies, etc. on a regular basis.
- Download materials only from people you know, or sites that are familiar to you. When in doubt, just delete!
- Block the "automatic download" option for e-mail so that you can individually review the sender before deciding whether to download.
- Limit the transmission of e-mail by utilizing the "security" and "parental block" options for your internet program.
- If an objectionable e-mail or instant message appears on your screen, report it to your IP company. Forward the entire screen so that all necessary information is available. (A direct request to the sender that your name be removed from the list seldom works.)
Diets are a nuisance, whether we apply them to our computer or waistline. However, a little control over cookie consumption will result in a healthier lifestyle and a leaner, faster computer memory bank.
workshops.technology.thu
8.03.00
