We use Cookies and identities - why? |
Rainer Rothen
 Schem.: 0 Pict.: 4 21.Nov.09 01:50 Count of Thanks: 24 |
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You can work with two browsers or systems - being logged in automatically. (Original in German by Ernst Erb) A secure area in a forum can be constructed by the use of a Login Name / Password only.
If in addition the Service- Provider needs to ensure that the password is not passed along, then a permanent ID check via cookie is necessary.
We need to use such procedures in the interest of all other members- we want to be able to rely on each other.
Many users are not sure about cookies and imagine strange things about them. Since in the dawn of the internet, uninformed people have publicized senseless articles about that topic. Therefore, you might also be a victim of such writings, if you delete all cookies on a regular basis.
Please remember: A cookie serves the purpose of recognition- like in a small grocery store, where you are personally known and greeted by the clerks. Cookies also store settings like language, etc. That’s all that happens. By the way: session- cookies are used frequently just to memorize actions which are taken during a session. We are not talking about that, here- since those (cookies) are produced during a session exclusively.
If someone wants to keep more information about a user, it will be done on the server, not in the cookie. For example: Amazon probably will store details about orders permanently; it also might keep information about your fields of interest- therefore it can serve you better- it will know your preferences. I do not see anything wrong with that- but even here cookies are used for identification.
We do have set up TWO identities, this is why you always fill out an “ID card” when you either have deleted all cookies or use a different system. By entering the Login Name you make the statement to be member “such-and-such” – but with the presence of the cookie in your (computer) system, the server can determine: “Uh, yes, that’s truly the person she / he says to be – Hold a moment – do I also get the password or is there an unauthorized individual at the system?”
The two identities will help you to be able to work either on your Laptop or on your Desktop (simultaneously) without the need to log in. Therefore we created an ID card where you can see which (system) ID you need to delete when you move to a third system (computer). This would be the case if you change to a different computer, for example.
Automate your Login- process.
If you are certain that no unauthorized person uses your system, you can automate the whole Login process with only two mouse- clicks. It’s done by checking “Autologin”. You will see nothing as far as the execution of this process. Once you type the URL in your browser window, (+enter) or better click the bookmarks your name already shows up and you are logged in. I even use the address as my start- page and I am logged in, right away.
Only when you click “Logout” once or delete cookies or change to another system, you need to type in your Login Name, etc. Logout is not needed, unless you want to see how the appearance of the “Radiomuseum” for a guest. If other people are using your computer than a “Logout” is recommended. You certainly do not want that someone uploads “funny” pictures on your behalf…
Translation to English by Rainer Rothen
P.S. Thanks to Joe Sousa for "proof- reading"
EE Sep 9, 2010: Short info at top added in blue. This article was edited 09.Sep.10 14:42 by Ernst Erb . |
Ernst Erb
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CH Articles: 5648
Schem.: 13753 Pict.: 30942 09.Sep.10 14:41 Count of Thanks: 30 |
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Often new members face difficulties with their identification - shpecially if they want to use different browsers or systems for a login.
5 Security and Privacy This article was edited 15.Jul.11 08:26 by Ernst Erb . |
