Cookies Explained

Cookies are small data files which act as unique identifiers and allow our site to remember a particular user. Cookies do not harm your computer. Certain areas of our web site, such as our forums, use cookies.

Temporary Cookies

Particular areas of our web site employ the use of temporary cookies. It is required for User Login. The concept is similar to visiting a theme park and receiving a hand stamp which allows entrance and exit throughout the day. Temporary cookies do not actually write anything to your hard drive.

Permanent Cookies

Certain areas of our web site employ the use of permanent cookies. These allow the site to identify unique users and pre-fill forms with information the user previously saved. Our web site also uses this to record your "Favorite Families."

Unlike a temporary cookie, that is similar to a day pass at a theme park, a permanent cookie is like a long-term pass. Permanent cookies write a small text file to your hard drive.

Browser Cookie Settings

Listed below are examples of the steps taken to view your browser's cookies settings:

If using Mozilla Firefox 1.5 (Adapted from the Firefox 1.5 integrated help system)

• By default Firefox 1.5 accepts all cookies, including cookies which would allow a site to recognize you effectively forever. If you want to grant sites you trust the ability to store cookies permanently (e.g. to allow you to log in automatically to a site)
• Click Exceptions
• Enter the site address (In this case it would be americanadoptions.com)
• Click Allow.

If using Internet Explorer 7

• Click on the Tools menu, then click Internet Options
• Click the Privacy tab, and then click Sites.
• Type americanadoptions.com in the Address of Web site field.
• Click Allow to always allow cookies from americanadoptions.com

If using Internet Explorer 6

• Click on the Tools menu, then click Internet Options
• Click the Privacy tab, and then click Sites.
• Type americanadoptions.com in the Address of Web site field.
• Click Allow to always allow cookies from americanadoptions.com

If using Internet Explorer 5

• Click Tools
• Click Internet Options
• Click Security
• Click the Internet icon
• Click Custom Levels - then scroll to Cookies

If using Netscape 8

• Cookie management in Netscape 8.

If using Netscape 6

• Click Edit Menu
• Click Preferences
• Select Privacy & Security
• Select Cookies

If using Opera 9

• Cookie management in Opera 9.

If using Apple Safari 2.0

• Cookie management in Safari 2.0

To view your cookie settings on a browser not listed above, refer to your browser's documentation.