I did a google search with the following terms:

"Quantquest" cookies

Including the quotes.. I came up with very few results..

I use McAfree SiteAdviros (firefox addon) and it shows a question mark next to this site.. I do not think it should be trusted.. But then again, its just my opinion..

I would advise you to install WOT (Web of Trust) and McAfee SiteAdvisor for firefox.. also, adblock plus.. They are good addons.. :)

As for not being able to delete the cookie, I had the same problem with SweetIM cookie.. So I uninstalled the toolbar and SweetIM software..
Maybe this cookie is due to another program..

If you are worried about security vulnerabilities of your system, HijackThis is a very good program.. But DO NOT delete everything it shows as a result.. Just the ones you think are dangerous.. like some new software you installed online or something..

McAfree SiteAdviros =McAfree SiteAdvisor**

(Sorry for the typo)

Thanks Chris.. Yes I have heard that McAfree SiteAdvisor addon does slow the system.. that depends on the RAM again.. Your method is a good one too.. :)
Thanks..

I have used CCleaner.. pretty good.. :))
And also a few registry tools like JV16 power tools, etc.. Though the registry monitor takes some ram.. so i shut it down after a scan..

Thank you very much for this information - I am quite sure that I do have a hacker and this information is very helpful - if I can access the programs that are the problem.

One of my concerns is that within 2 weeks of purchasing a new computer 40 Gigs out of 74 Gigs show as being used on my computer showing only 32 Gigs available. I have not uploaded or downloaded multiple photographs or videos - nothing in that regard actually. The only software that I have installed is Word and HP printer sofware - so the sudden use of 40 Gigs confuses me

I'm concerned that my hard drive has been partitioned and the controlling programs are unavailable to me. However, I am going to try your suggestions to see what I can do about this. Again, thank you very, very much.

You are most welcome..

As for the missing gigs, there could be two reasons for this:

1) There is something unknown that's using the 40GB space.. Windows might take some space.. i am using Windows Vista Home Premium and the "Windows" folder is of 15GB.. Microsoft Office 2007 takes another 1.2 to 1.5GB.. And program files could take another few gigs depending on what programs were pre-installed (plus what you installed)..

The best way to know about this is to using a freeware called JDisk Report.. It analyzes a drive and shows a pie graph.. So you come to know which are the biggest files you have.. I advise you to try it out first.. Here is the link:

http://www.jgoodies.com/freeware/jdiskreport/


Just click on "Download".. The top-most one is the latest one.. Click on your OS type.. most probably you are using Windows..



2) You ahve some unallocated disk space.. To check this, please follow the following steps:

a) On Desktop, right-click on "Computer."
b) Select "Manage".
c) On the left side pane, select "Disk management".
d) In the middle pane, you will notice an upper and lower partition.. In the lower partition look for any "Unpartitioned Space".


Most probably, you won't have any.. But if you do, you can right click and turn it into a drive..

This is also the place where you can change the drive letter to some other letter.. Suppose you do not want your DVD-ROM drive to be "F:"; you can rename it here to any of the inallocated letters by right-clicking it..


I hope the first method helps you find the files which are consuming the hard-drive.. JDisk Report is a pretty helpful tool.. :))

ahve = have*
inallocated = unallocated**

Sorry about the typos.. :(

I just did a search on my computer for quantcast and nothing showed up. I hope that means my blocking 3rd party cookies is working.

I set FF & IE (I would think MAC would offer this option as well) to not accept 3rd party cookies and prompt first party cookies. I know it's a bit of a pain, especially at first, but it gives you control over which cookies are set on your computer. Did you know that some emails contain cookies too?

If anyone needs instructions as to how to do this, please pm me and I'll be happy to provide them.

That's good advice.. Thanks..
Firefox also has an option to remove all cookies once the browser is closed.. :)

You are so helpful - and what I do about cookies at this point is when I sign onto Firefox - I immediately delete the cookies that I have picked up along the way.

I am on a MacBook Air - so I didn't quite understand the instructions about right clicking and changing drives. I'm not terribly computer literate.

I'm going to try your other suggestions probably tomorrow - I've been dealing with some urgent issues and have not had a chance to play with downloads yet. And I so appreciate the suggestions.

Thank you so much for telling me all of this.

Thank you very much.. :)

I never used Mac but lemme see what I can find.. JDisk Report is available for Mac too from the same download link.. Take your time.. No hurry.. :))


In firefox, you can also delete cookies automatically when you close it..

Goto Tools
Click Options
Click Privacy
In the cookies pane, there is a "Keep Until:" option.. and there is a dropbox after that.. Select "I close Firefox".. :))

For added security, you can also check, "Always clear My Private Data When I Close Firefox".. :-))

If you want few more tips, please feel free to let me know and I will post it up here or send you a detailed mail.. Message me anytime..

Have a wonderful day ahead!! :))

-Raj

Raj, YOU ROCK!

Thanks for stepping up to help.

Paul

Thanks a lot Paul.. Your post made my evening!! :))

Glad to be of help.. :))