THIS WEBSITE AND THE USE OF COOKIES

This Website and the Use of Cookies

This website uses a type of cookie called a "Session Cookie" to allow communication between your browser and the web server.  This type of cookie is very different from the persistent cookies used to track someone's actvities on the internet.

These session cookies are essential to the proper function of this website. The site will not work properly if your browser does not accept Session Cookies.

What is an Session Cookie and how does it work?

Once you log in to the website, the server will place a small file on your computer called a Session Cookie. This file tells the webserver that that the person using this browser is logged in. Your security level for access to this website is controlled by this Session Cookie.

Every time your browser accesses a page on this website, the server will look for this small file and check to make sure that your browser is allowed to view it.  If the server cannot find the cookie on your computer, it will prevent your browser from displaying the page you requested. 

What is the difference between a Persistent Cookie and an Session Cookie?

There are two types of cookies, session cookies and persistent cookies. The key difference between the two is the time of expiration:

  • Session cookies expire at the end of the session. This means, when you close your browser window, the session cookie is deleted. This website only uses session cookies.
  • Persistent cookies do not expire at the end of the session. THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT use persistent cookies.

A session cookie may be created when you visit a site or portion of a site. The cookie exists for the duration of your visit. For example, a session cookie is created when you use the Personal Login to access secured pages. Depending on the settings in your browser, you may have the option to deny the session cookie; however, if you deny the cookie you may have trouble using the site which relies on that cookie.

Session cookies are no longer accessible after one of the following events:

  • The user logs out of a site or a portion of a site
  • The user shuts down the browser
  • The session is inactive for a specified length of time
  • The user starts a new Internet session on the same computer

A persistent cookie is used to store your preferences for use by a single site. A persistent cookie is stored each time you visit the web site that sent the cookie.

Deleting Cookies

At any time that you wish to delete any stored cookies:

  • Click 'Tools' on the toolbar
  • Click on 'Cookie Manager'
  • Choose 'Manage Stored Cookies' option