Oxford University Press - FAQ's on Cookie Policy (original) (raw)
What are cookies?
- Cookies are text files containing small amounts of information which are downloaded to your device when you visit a website.
- Cookies are NOT viruses. Cookies use a plain text format. They are not compiled pieces of code so they cannot be executed nor are they self-executing. Accordingly, they cannot make copies of themselves and spread to other networks to execute and replicate again. Since they cannot perform these functions, they fall outside the standard virus definition.
- The most common function of cookies is to remember bits of information that help make browsing the web easier and more hassle-free for you. They help us to create the most secure and effective website possible for our customers.
What do cookies do?
Cookies do lots of different jobs, such as allowing you to navigate between pages efficiently, remembering your preferences and generally improving the user experience. They can also help to ensure that adverts you see online are more relevant to you and your interests.
Types of cookies?
There are many different types of cookies. These include the following:
- Session cookies - Session Cookies are stored only temporarily during a browsing session and are deleted from the user’s device when the browser is closed.
- Persistent cookies - This type of cookie is saved on your computer for a fixed period (usually a year or longer) and is not deleted when the browser is closed. Persistent cookies are used where we need to know who you are for more than one browsing session. For example, we use this type of cookie to store your preferences so that they are remembered for your next visit.
- Flash cookies - Many websites use Adobe Flash Player to deliver video and game content to their users. Adobe utilise their own cookies, which are not manageable through your browser settings but are used by the Flash Player for similar purposes, such as storing preferences or tracking users.
- First and third party cookies – Whether a cookie is ‘first’ or ‘third’ party refers to the website or domain placing the cookie. First party cookies in basic terms are cookies set by a website visited by the user (the website displayed in the URL). Third party cookies are cookies that are set by a domain other than the one being visited by the user. Please note that some of our websites may contain third party cookies i.e. cookies that are set by a domain other than those owned by us.
How can I manage my cookies?
- You can manage the cookies stored on your computer by adjusting the settings within your browser. This would allow you to refuse cookies altogether, restrict cookies stored on your device or even delete those that have already been set.
- You can adjust your device’s web browser settings by using the ‘Help’ function within the web browser. Alternatively, you can visit www.aboutcookies.org to obtain instructions on how to adjust your device’s web browser settings.
- Please be aware that some of our websites use flash cookies which cannot be disabled through adjusting your device’s web browser settings. Some browser manufacturers are developing solutions to allow you to disable flash cookies through use of your device’s web browser settings but at the present time, if you wish to restrict or block flash cookies, you must do so on the Adobe website. In this regards, please visit www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager.0.7.html
What happens if I decline/delete OUP’s cookies?
If you disable or decline OUP’s cookies, please be aware that some features and access to some parts of our websites will not be available to you or function properly.
Useful sites