Computer cookies, unlike real cookies, are not something you want to have.  Computer cookies can be annoying to deal with and harmful to your computer. These cookies are supposed to tailor your Internet experience based on previous sessions, however they are not always helpful.  Here is some information and steps on deleting cookies on a Mac.

What is a cookie and why is it used?

Cookies are small files that are stored on your computer. They are designed to allow the server to deliver pages that are tailored to you personally. These cookies are a convenient way to carry information between Internet sessions.  However, some cookies will retain information that you might not want them to such as usernames, passwords and other personal identifiers.  A tracking cookie will trace what you do during your online session as well as view your browsing history.  This particular cookie is seen as an invasion of privacy because it allows the advertisers who sent the tracking cookies to build profiles of the users without consent or knowledge.

Types of Cookies

Generally, there are two types: first party cookies and third party cookies. First party cookies are from the websites you ask your browser to fetch.  These cookies are helpful and harmless, and are required to interact with the site.  Third party cookies, however, are not beneficial to your computer. These are usually sent by advertisers and have the “tracking” ability.  They can also have malware, which can be detrimental to your computer. Regardless of the type of cookie, you should always clean your computer every once in a while.

Deleting Cookies

When using a Mac, the process of deleting cookies depends on what Internet browser you use. If you’re using Safari, go to the menu, pull down preferences and click on “show cookies” under security. Clicking on this will allow you to see all of the currently active cookies and clear them as needed. If your browser of choice is Internet Explorer, go to preferences, select “receiving files options”, hit “cookies,” and highlight the cookies you want to delete.

If the problem persists, you may need to seek the help of a professional.  Go to TalkLocal to find someone to help you with your exact issue in a fast and easy manner. Simply type in your problem along with your availability, and TalkLocal will do the rest. You’ll be connected to a reliable local IT professional within minutes.

So is sharing your Netflix password allowed?  On June 2nd, 2011, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed a bill that banned sharing passwords for Netflix, Hulu, Rhapsody, and any other subscription-based website.  The bill, which was in effect on July 1st, 2011, was primarily targeted at hackers who steal usernames and password to subscription sites and sell them in bulk.  However, ordinary subscribers who share their passwords with friends and family could also be subject to legal action. In a statement to the Associated Press, Rep. Gerald McCormick explained, “what becomes not legal is if you send your user name and password to all your friends so they can get free subscriptions.”

Violations involving less than $500 worth of entertainment are classified as misdemeanors; they are punishable by fines of $2,500 and up to one year in jail.  The penalty for second offenses and violation involving entertainment valued above $500 is even steeper — and may involve a felony charge.

Many have said the new law is unnecessary. Jared Newman of PCworld even went so far as to say the law went against the nature of subscription-based websites.  He also pointed out that websites like Netflix already have measures in place to keep many people from using the same password, including limiting the number of devices that can stream content from one subscription at once.  Netflix agreed with him saying in a statement reported by Tom Cheredar of MediaBeat that “Netflix already has provisions in its Terms of Use that restrict passwords to the member’s household.”

But Tennessee lawmakers maintain that the bill is an important step in stopping piracy. Cheredar speculates that they were especially concerned with protecting the music industry because it has a sizeable presence in the state and has much to lose from pirating.  But only time will tell what effect— if any — the law will have on the industry and consumer.

Screen space is always at a premium, and larger monitors tend to be very expensive.  However, a simple solution is to set up an inexpensive additional monitor. This gives you two screens to organize your workspace, (instead of switching back and forth between windows) and greatly increases productivity. Setting up two monitors might seem complex, but in actuality anyone can do it.   You might be wondering, “how can I set up two monitors?”.  If you have a PC, here’s how to do this:

Hardware:

Check if you have an additional monitor port in the same shape as the monitor plug on the sides of your laptop. If you don’t have one, you will need to install an additional video card for the second monitor.

Windows XP:

1. Click Start

2. Click Control Panel.

3. Click Appearance and Themes

4. Click Display.

5. Click on the Settings tab

6. Click Identify to display a large number on each of your monitors. This shows which monitor corresponds with each icon.

7. Choose your secondary monitor, and check the Extend the desktop onto this monitor box

8. Click the monitor icons and drag them to positions that represent how you want to move items from one monitor to another, and then click OK or Apply to view changes.

Windows Vista:

1. Right click the desktop

2. Click Personalize

3. Click on the Display Settings icon

4. Click Identify Monitors to display a large number on each of your monitors. This shows which monitor corresponds with each icon.

5. Choose your secondary monitor, and check the Extend the desktop onto this monitor box

6. Click the monitor icons and drag them to positions that represent how you want to move items from one monitor to another, and then click Apply to view changes.

Windows 7:

1. Right click the desktop

2. Click Personalize

3. Click on Display

4. Click on Change Display Settings

5. Click on Detect, and then Identify

6. For the Multiple Displays dropdown menu, choose Extend these displays

7. Click the monitor icons and drag them to positions that represent how you want to move items from one monitor to another, and then click Apply to view changes.

Can’t get that second monitor to work? Need help installing another video card? Use TalkLocal to find a computer technician to install that second monitor for you right now, at no additional cost!

There is always that one rogue program that freezes and refuses to cooperate. How do you force quit this troublemaker? PC’s use the Ctrl-Alt-Del command to summon a task manager, where users can kill unresponsive processes.  But how do you do a Ctrl-Alt-Del on a Mac?  To do this, use a Cmmd-Opt-Esc command. This is the same as Cmmd-Alt-Esc because the “opt” or option key is also the “alt” key.

This brings up a sort of Mac Task Manager that is titled “Force Quit Applications.” Simply select the program that is giving you problems and then select “Force Quit.”

You can also access this Task Manager by clicking on the Apple sign on the upper left hand corner of your screen and selecting “Force Quit.” The same “Force Quit Applications” box will pop up. Follow the same procedure as above and select the application you want to force quit.

If this method does not work and your computer remains frozen, call an IT technician through TalkLocal‘s easy-to-use service that connects you with the right professional at your convenience. Just fill out a short request online and–within minutes–a high quality service provider will call you! It’s that simple.