How do I enable cookies in my browser?

A cookie is a message given to a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message in a text file called cookie.txt. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.

The main purpose of cookies is to identify users and possibly prepare customized Web pages for them. When you enter a Web site using cookies, you may be asked to fill out a form providing such information as your name and interests. This information is packaged into a cookie and sent to your Web browser which stores it for later use. The next time you go to the same Web site, your browser will send the cookie to the Web server. The server can use this information to present you with custom Web pages. So, for example, instead of seeing just a generic welcome page you might see a welcome page with your name on it.

AIT uses cookies in a few different ways. MCart/Ushop uses cookies for users when they visit the cart and order items. If customers go to a shop, and select items and don't check out, the information is still recorded so that if that customer returns, the inventory that they have selected is still in their shopping cart. Another way they are used by AIT is on the Online Billing Status Page. Cookies must be enabled to view your online billing invoices and statements.

To ensure you have your cookies "turned on" in your browser, do the following:

Internet Explorer

• Open the Tools menu (if you're using IE 5.0 or above), or the View menu (if you're using IE 4.0 or below).
• Open Internet Options
• Go to the Privacy tab, and click Default. This will open another dialog box.
• Set your cookies to a setting LOWER than "Block All Cookies".

Netscape Navigator

• In the Netscape browser, select Edit.
• Then, open click Preferences.
• Then, select the Advanced option.
• This will display the options for cookies to be accepted and enabled.