Why do I need to accept session cookies?

Session cookies are placed on your browser for your convenience. When you login, information is written onto your hard drive. As you navigate the site, the system passes information from page to page so it "remembers" who you are and automatically determines what information to display in your browser. On form pages it will enter your information into the form.

Are session cookies a security risk?

Because cookies read information on your hard drive, some think this means they give access to all the information on your computer. The session cookie actually contains no personal information, just a unique identifier for our system to recognize this browser.

How do I set up my browser to accept session cookies?

If you're using Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu (View menu in IE5) and select Internet Options. Within the Internet Options window, select the Privacy tab at the top right, in the middle of the dialog box is a button marked "advanced". Click on the advanced button. The next box is you advanced privacy settings. Click on "override automatic cookie handling" and click on "always allow session cookies." Click OK. Click OK again.

If you're using Netscape Navigator, go to the Options menu and select Network Preferences. Within the Network Preferences window, select the Protocols tab. There is a heading titled "Show an Alert Before" and a check box next to a selection titled "Accepting a Cookie". If this is not checked, you will automatically accept cookies without being warned by your browser.