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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Computer Question

Posted by: Curvie Roadlover Jun 20 2003, 04:47 AM

Every couple of days when I come to this BBS on my home computer I have to re-log in. When I use the computers at work, I'm already logged in, and some of those computers I don't even use for over 2 weeks. It doesn't make sense to me that I can sit down in front of one of the work 'puters that I haven't used in many days, I'm logged in, but then I go to my home computer and I have to log in even though I was logged in at home just a few hours before. Is there a setting I need to change to allow my log in to last longer?

Posted by: Jeroen Jun 20 2003, 05:37 AM

The auto log-in works by cookies
You prolly cleared all the cookies on your home computer
If you do that, you have to log-in again

cheers,

Jeroen

Posted by: seanery Jun 20 2003, 08:36 AM

Isnt there a setting in Windows that will clear cookies every so often (user defined)?

That may be what's doing it.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Jun 20 2003, 12:47 PM

Yes. I have my Windoze box set to clear everything once a day.

B

Posted by: Frank Marino Jun 20 2003, 02:28 PM

Internet cookies are often a security leak on many computer systems and networks. As annoying as it is to some, reloging in that is, its worth it to erase the cookies often. They also waste space on your HD. There is a setting to erase cookies every so often and I believe its in internet explorer options. Go to "tools"->"internet options"->"general" tab and there should be an icon to click to delete cookies.

Posted by: Brad Roberts Jun 20 2003, 02:29 PM

Thanks Frank !!

I was going to do a screen shot and show him that.

B

Posted by: campbellcj Jun 20 2003, 04:06 PM

There is really only one 'threat' to cookies, which is if a particular site is storing unencrypted password or access info in a cookie (which is just a text file stored on your disk).

This is a huge no-no and few if any sites would allow that to happen. Most either use SSL/https or some other secure process to handle login info; or they don't save your password in cookies at all.

Another purpose for cookies that many folks don't like -- "privacy" issue -- is for tracking your visits and browsing/buying habits on their site. An online shopping site for instance can keep track of when you were last there, what products you recently browsed, etc. A lot of people don't like these tracking cookies and tools like Spybot Search & Destroy can help find and eliminate a lot of them from your computer.

All-in-all I think cookies are more beneficial than harmful, and web software is really a PITA to write and use without them...

Posted by: Frank Marino Jun 20 2003, 05:40 PM

No prob. There's always something someone can learn about computers. Like 914's, theres an endless list of issue's can occur and we could all use someone like this to take care of them once in a while.

FM