1. How do I delete my Temporary Internet Files, or "clear my cache"?

A full cache can eat up memory and impede a number of functions. Clearing your cache is easy, and something you should make a regular habit. Below are some instructions for clearing the cache of the most common types of Web browsers. Please choose the one for your browser and take a minute to follow these steps.

If you're using Internet Explorer 5:

• From the 'Tools' menu, choose 'Internet Options'. (The Internet Options dialog box should appear.)
• If the 'General' tab is not already in front, click it.
• Click the 'Delete Files' button. (The Delete Files dialog box should appear.)
• Click OK, then click OK again.

If you're using Internet Explorer 4:

• From the 'View' menu, choose 'Internet Options'. (The Internet Options dialog box should appear.)
• If the 'General' tab is not already in front, click it.
• Click the 'Delete Files' button. (The Delete Files dialog box should appear.)
• Click OK, then click OK again.

If you're using Netscape Communicator 4:

• From the 'Edit' menu, choose 'Preferences'. (A dialog box should appear.)
• In the menu on the left side of the dialog box, double click the word 'Advanced'. (A list of options should appear.)
• From the list of options, click the word 'Cache'.
• On the right side of the dialog box, click the 'Clear Memory Cache' button, and then click 'OK'.
• Click the 'Clear Disk Cache' button, and then click 'OK'.
• Click the OK button at the bottom of the window.

If you're using Netscape Navigator 3:

• Go to the Netscape Options menu.
• Select Network Preferences.
• Hit the "Clear Memory Cache" and "Clear Disk Cache" buttons.

2. What is a cookie?

A "cookie" is a very small text file placed on your hard drive by a Web Page server. It is essentially your identification card, and cannot be executed as code or deliver viruses. It is uniquely yours and can only be read by the server that gave it to you.

3. What does a cookie actually do?

A cookie's purpose is to tell the server (us here at The Nest) that you've returned to our Web site.

4. How do cookies help me?

It saves you time.

If you want to use any of our tools, such as Gown Search, the Budgeter, or the Checklist, a cookie helps The Nest remember who you are.

Next time you return, we know to show you the information you requested. Or, when you buy/register for a product, we can fill in any questions you've already answered. Of course, if you never join The Nest, then the server only knows that someone with your cookie has returned to the Web site. You are in charge of deciding whether we know anything about you. But the more you tell us about yourself, the more we can help you find information you want.
Remember: you can always edit any personal information you give The Nest at http://www.thenest.com/join/memberprofile.aspx.

5. How do cookies help The Nest?

It allows us to be more efficient. We can learn what information is important to our visitors, and what isn't. We can discard Web pages you don't use, and focus our efforts on information you need.

6. How do I control which cookies I accept?

You can order your browser to accept all cookies or to alert you every time a cookie is offered. Then you can decide whether to accept one or not.

If you're using Internet Explorer 5:

• Choose Tools, then
• Internet Options.
• Click the Security tab,
• Click Internet, then Custom Level.
• Scroll down to Cookies and choose one of the two options.

If you're using Internet Explorer 4:

• Choose View, then
• Internet Options.
• Click the Advanced tab,
• Scroll down to the yellow exclamation icon under Security and choose one of the three options to regulate your use of cookies.

In Internet Explorer 3, you can View, Options, Advanced and click on the button that says Warn Before Accepting "Cookies."

If you're using Netscape Communicator 4:

• On your Task Bar, click:
• Edit, then
• Preferences, then
• click on Advanced.
• Set your options in the box labeled "Cookies".

If you're using AOL 4.0 or higher:

• On Windows 95 or 98:
• Click the Start button.
• Under "Settings", click "Control Panel".
• Double-click the "Internet" icon.
• Click the tab on top that says "Advanced".
• Scroll down about 3/4 of the way and find the section titled "Cookies".
• Choose "Always accept cookies".
• Click the "OK" button on the bottom.
• You can close the "Control Panels" window.

7. How do I see the cookies I've accepted?

If you're using Internet Explorer 5:

• On your task bar, click:
• Tools, then
• Internet Options.
• Under the tab General (the default tab) click
• Settings, then
• View Files

If you're using Internet Explorer 4:

• On your task bar, click:
• View, then
• Internet Options.
• Under the tab General (the default tab) click
• Settings, then
• View Files/li

Internet Explorer 3:

• On your Task Bar, click:
• View, then
• Options, then
• Advanced, then
• View Files

Netscape Communicator 4:

Netscape bundles all cookies into one file on your hard drive. You'll need to find the file, which it calls "cookies.txt" on Windows machines. You can most likely find it at C:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\yourname.

8. What if I have technical difficulties while using The Nest?

Although we expect such situations to be rare, if you experience technical difficulties or have questions about anything, send an email to webmaster@thenest.com.