Cookies Policy

Sinkbox Waterfowl Supply currently uses cookies to store site preferences and limited form submissions data for use by the browser to auto-fill forms when revisited.  When supported, this will not include private data such as login information such as passwords or other private data.

What Is A Cookie?

It used to be that a cookie was something that was eaten with milk; however, within the Internet the word "Cookie" takes on a very different meaning.  So, what is a "Cookie"? A "Cookie" is a small piece of information that is sent by a web server to be stored on a web browser, so that it can later be read back from that browser the next time this unique visitor returns to that web server.  The cookie is a text file that is saved in the browser's directory and is stored in RAM while the browser is running.  The file size of a "Cookie" can only be up to 4k (4048 bytes).  Also, the cookie may be stored on the computer's hard drive once you log off from that web site or web server.

What Are Cookies Used For?

Cookies are mostly used to store preferences of start pages.  On sites with personalized viewing, your web browser will be requested to utilize a small amount of space on your computer's hard drive to store these preferences.  That way, each time you log on to that web site, your browser will check to see if you have any pre-defined preferences (a cookie) for that unique server.  If you do, the browser will send the cookie to the server along with your request for a web page.  Microsoft and Netscape use cookies to create personal start pages on their web sites.  Common uses for which companies utilize cookies include: on-line ordering systems, site personalization, and web site tracking.

Site personalization is one of the most beneficial uses for cookies.  For example, a person comes to the CNN site, but does not want to see any business news.  The site allows the person to select this choice as an option.  From then on (or until the cookie expires), the person would not see business news when they access the CNN web pages.

How Do These Cookies Work?

A command line in the HTML code of a document tells the browser to set a cookie of a certain name or value.  The following is a general example of a script used to set a cookie.

	Set-Cookie: name = VALUE;
	expires = DATE;
	path = PATH;
	domain = DOMAIN_NAME;
	

What About Security?

An HTTP Cookie cannot be used to retrieve personal data from your hard drive, install a virus, get your email address, or steal sensitive information about who you are; however, an HTTP Cookie may be used to track where you travel over a particular site.  Site tracking cannot easily be done without the use of cookies.

If a web site designer desires to make web pages become more interactive with visitors, or if the designer plans on letting visitors customize the appearance of the site, then they will need cookies.  Also, if you want your site visits to change appearances under certain circumstances, cookies provide a quick and easy way to let your HTML pages change as required.  Servers use cookies to help with database interactivity, which can improve the overall interactivity of the web site.

What Information Is Sinkbox Waterfowl Supply Storing On My Computer?

As of this point Sinkbox Waterfowl Supply is only storing site preferences.  Shown below is EXACTLY what is currently being stored on your system right now:

Compare the above with the below cookie information taken from the Web Administer of Sinkbox Waterfowl Supply when this document was created:

		PHPSESSID=4adc06e776b27d01c5acc84a7d762e9e;
	

What Exactly Does The Above Mean?

Depending on the your usage of Sinkbox Waterfowl Supply the two examples may be very different.  The below table gives a full description of all cookie variables that Sinkbox Waterfowl Supply is currently using for those that may be interested in knowning:

If you have any questions about Sinkbox Waterfowl Supply's usage of cookies, please email me at: