Homework 13: Cookies

To begin this homework, change the browser settings to alert you before the browser accepts a cookie:

(It is possible that on your computer/browser, you may have to change the settings a little differently. If you get stuck, try the browser Help.)

• Using Netscape, go to Edit > Preferences > click on the + sign next to Privacy and Security (on the left side). When the list under Privacy and Security expands, click on Cookie and choose "Ask me before storing a cookie" (on the right side).
• Using Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options > click on the Privacy tab. Click on the Advanced button. Check the box that says "Override automatic cookie handling" and then choose "prompt" on both the sets of radio buttons. Click on OK. Then Click on Apply and OK.

1. Visit several sites and see whether or not they set cookies on your computer. Indicate whether there are any "third party cookies", i.e. cookies that are being set by sites that are different from the page you are viewing.
   1. www.cnn.com
   2. www.yahoo.com - Try a search
   3. www.google.com - Try a search
   4. www.brooklyn.cuny.edu
   5. www.lesley.edu

2. Go to cookiedemo.com and try the Cookie Demo. Set a cookie, then go to some other pages and come back to cookiedemo.com. Did it remember what cookies you like?
3. Do the Analyzer at Network-Tools.com. Do the Analyzer at Network-Tools.com twice.
   1. Is a cookie set when you visit the Network-Tools.com site?
   2. Whose cookie is it? Is it from www.privacy.net?
   3. What type of information is collected about your browser and your computer?
   4. Did the site collect your IP address?
   5. What other information was collected through the cookie that surprised you?