Here’s how to clear cookies, if you use one of three main internet providers: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Safari (for Macs).

Internet cookies are used by websites to track your visits to their sites. In general, cookies cause no harm. They are not programs and cannot do anything when placed on your computer. They also can’t see what you’re doing on your computer outside of the website that placed them there. Sometimes though, websites allow third-parties to place their cookies on your computer when you visit the website. This allows advertisers to target their products to you.

How to Clear Cookies in Internet Explorer
Open an internet window and click “Tools” at the top of your screen. Next select “Internet Options,” then click on the “General” tab. Go to the “Browsing History” section and select “Delete.” Now click “Delete cookies,” then “Yes.”

To clear only certain cookies, begin the same way. Click “Tools” then “Internet Options.” From the “General” tab go to the “Browsing History” and click “Delete.” Now click “Settings” then “View Files.” This is where you’ll be able to select the cookies you want to delete. Press “Delete” then “OK” to save.

How to Clear Cookies in Mozilla Firefox
Open up Firefox and click “Tools.” Then click “Options” and go to the “Privacy” tab. Next click “Show cookies.” Select “Remove All Cookies.”

If you want to delete only certain cookies, click “View cookies” and remove each individual cookie you wish.

How to Clear Cookies in Safari
From an open Safari window, click “Preferences.” Select the “Security” icon and click “Show Cookies.” Choose which cookies you want to clear and press “Delete.”

As you can see, clearing cookies isn’t a difficult process. In general it’s a good idea to clear your computer’s cookies every so often. This eliminates unwanted third-party cookies as well as stops websites from being able to track your visits.