Cookies may annoy but they don't hurt
Article Abstract:
Cookie files, or software tools that identify repeat visitors to Web sites, can only collect limited information on the user. Thus, cookies do not violate the user's privacy, although many users find them irritating. Cookie files note the Internet Protocol address of the user's ISP, as well as his browser and computer type. About 20% of the 100 most popular Web sites track users' registration by sending cookie files. Both the Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator browsers include options that let users disable cookies, accept cookies or be prompted before accepting cookies. According to the Internet Engineering Task Force, Web sites should tell users that their movements are being tracked via cookies, but few Web sites do. In Navigator, cookies are stored in the directory's cookie.txt file; in Internet Explorer, in separate files within the Windows/cookies folder.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Windows 98? Just one little thing ..
Article Abstract:
Qualcomm's Eudora Pro 3.0 E-mail program users may discover a mysterious error message after installing Windows 98. The minor irritation occurs when clicking on the taskbar's icon that opens Eudora Pro 3.0. The following message announces: 'Could not rename file from c:\windows\temp\descmap.tmp to c:\eudora\descmap.pce.' Users can continue to operate Eudora despite the message, which appears only on the first opening of Eudora after booting the computer. Qualcomm said users can eliminate the problem by replacing the Windows 98 shortcut for Eudora and replacing it with another sterile new shortcut. Microsoft insisted the Windows 98 upgrade does not cause corruption by itself, suggesting that a third-party application or outdated Windows-compatible applications interfaces could be responsible for the problem.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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It's time to hunt for Easter eggs
Article Abstract:
Easter eggs are software program features that programmers have hidden as jokes. Numerous Easter eggs have appeared for decades, adding some extra lines to the software's proprietary source code. Microsoft declined to comment on stories of an entire flight simulator reportedly hidden within its Excel 97 spreadsheet program. Part of the Easter eggs's appeal is that programmers presumable created them without telling their employer. An egg could technically disturb a software program in the event of a poor interface, and New Hacker's Dictionary editor Eric S. Raymond said a larger egg could create a negligible machine slowdown.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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- Abstracts: AT&T takes lead on a plan to cut long-distance rates. Atop F.C.C., still trying to be nice. An active chief is leaving the F.C.C
- Abstracts: A 'people' man bans bureaucracy to make the profit flow. IT promises disappoint a trusting bank
- Abstracts: Bumps in the road with Netcasts. Interview with the spammer. Hunting the elusive spammer
- Abstracts: Media shops start to feel the squeeze. The big golden book continues to explore beyond the printed page. Media buyers feel the squeeze in the new, deregulated order
- Abstracts: Meet Mr. Crash-through, the tax help-mate with all the answers