What do Cookies Do?

A cookie is the term given to describe a type of message that is given to a Web browser by a Web server.  The main purpose of a cookie is to identify users and possibly prepare customized Web pages or to save site login information for you.

When you enter a Web site using cookies, you may be asked to fill out a form providing personal information; like your name, e-mail address, and interests. This information is packaged into a cookie and sent to your Web browser, which then stores the information for later use. The next time you go to the same Web site, your browser will send the cookie to the Web server. The message is sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.

A Web server has no memory so the hosted Web site you are visiting transfers a cookie file of the browser on your computer's hard disk so that the Web site can remember who you are and your preferences. This message exchange allows the Web server to use this information to present you with customized Web pages. So, for example, instead of seeing just a generic welcome page you might see a welcome page with your name on it.

Types of Cookies

Session cookie

Also called a transient cookie, a cookie that is erased when you close the Web browser. The session cookie is stored in temporary memory and is not retained after the browser is closed. Session cookies do not collect information from your computer. They typically will store information in the form of a session identification that does not personally identify the user.

Persistent cookie

Also called a permanent cookie, or a stored cookie, a cookie that is stored on your hard drive until it expires (persistent cookies are set with expiration dates) or until you delete the cookie. Persistent cookies are used to collect identifying information about the user, such as Web surfing behavior or user preferences for a specific Web site.

What Information Does a Cookie Store?

For the most part a cookie will contain a string of text that contains information about the browser. To work, a cookie does not need to know where you are from, it only needs to remember your browser. Some Web sites do use cookies to store more personal information about you. However, this can be done only if you yourself have provided the Web site with that personal information. Legitimate Web sites will encrypt this personal information stored in the cookie to prevent unauthorized usage by another party with access to your cookie folder.

Cookies have six parameters that can be passed to them:

The name of the cookie.

The value of the cookie.

The expiration date of the cookie - this determines how long the cookie will remain active in your browser.

The path the cookie is valid for - this sets the URL path the cookie us valid in. Web pages outside of that path cannot use the cookie.

The domain the cookie is valid for. This makes the cookie accessible to pages on any of the servers when a site uses multiple servers in a domain.

The need for a secure connection - this indicates that the cookie can only be used under a secure server condition, such as a site using SSL.

What are Malicious Cookies?

Cookies normally do not compromise security, but there is a growing trend of malicious cookies. These types of cookies can be used to store and track your activity online. Cookies that watch your online activity are called malicious or tracking cookies. These are the bad cookies to watch for, because they track you and your surfing habits, over time, to build a profile of your interests. Once that profile contains enough information there is a good chance that your information can be sold to an advertising company who then uses this profile information to target you with interest specific adverts. Many antivirus programs today will flag suspicious spyware or adware cookies when scanning your system for viruses.

Viewing & Removing Cookies

Cookies are stored by the Web browser on your system's hard drive, and you can view them to see which Web sites that you visit are associated with your cookie files.

If using Internet Explorer, for example you select Tools then choose Internet Options. On the general tab you will see a section titled Browser History. Click Settings then choose View Files.

This will open up a Windows Explorer window that lists all your temporary Internet files, including your cookies. Each cookie will be identified by a site URL making it easy to determine which cookies you trust and want to keep and which you don't recall from visiting a Web site and would delete.

To change your cookie settings, simply to go back into Tools then choose Internet Options. On the Privacy tab you will see a slider bar which you can move to adjust the level at which your browser accepts cookies. Low for example blocks third-party cookies that do not have a compact privacy policy and restricts third-party cookies that save information that can be used to contact you without your consent. Medium High will do the same but also block first-party cookies that save information about you. Other privacy options you can choose would be to accept all cookies or to block all cookies as well.

If you're using a browser other than Internet Explorer, you can visit the following cookie pages on each browser Web site to find out how to manage your cookies when using Firefox, Opera, or Safari.

Firefox: Firefox Help: Firefox's Cookie Options

Opera: Security, Privacy and Cookies in Opera

Safari: Safari Help Managing cookies

First and Third-Party Cookies

When choosing a privacy setting in your browser, two terms you will see are "first-party cookies" and "third-party cookies". First party cookies are those cookies that originate from (or be sent to) the Web site you're currently viewing. These types of cookies usually will contain information about your preferences for that particular Web site. These cookies are usually Third-party cookies originate from (or will be sent to) a Web site that is not the site you are visiting. For example, if the Web site you are on using third-party advertising that third-party advertising Web sites may use a cookie to track your Web habits for marketing purposes.

While some may simply choose to block all cookies, it can make Web surfing difficult if you do this. For example if you shop online, many e-commerce shopping carts that have been implemented with cookies will not work. Sites you frequently visit which enable you to personalize content also will not show your preferences when you visit if you delete or disable that cookie.

Most cookies, despite some misconceptions, are legitimate files and will not invade your privacy. Once you get in the habit of reviewing the cookies associated with your browser and manage them on your own by way of deleting malicious cookies or trying different browser privacy settings, you can still keep the good cookies that make surfing a breeze, yet keep the bad cookies that may be tracking your surfing habits off your system.

Did You Know…………………………….

The name cookie derives from UNIX objects called magic cookies. These are tokens that are attached to a user or program and change depending on the areas entered by the user or program.

Key Terms to Understanding Cookies:

Cookie

A message given to a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message in a text file. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.

Session cookie

Also called a transient cookie, a cookie that is erased when you close the Web browser. The session cookie is stored in temporary memory and is not retained after the browser is closed.

Persistent cookie

Also called a permanent cookie, or a stored cookie, a cookie that is stored on your hard drive until it expires (persistent cookies are set with expiration dates) or until the user deletes the cookie.

How Cookie Work’s 

Usually the cookie contains a session id number. The id number is then connected to session data that is stored on the server. The usual process is then:

1. Send login form
2. Server checks username and password
3. If correct, the username is stored in a session file on the server, along with various other useful information about the user (if it's a site admin, moderator, userid and so on).
4. The server sends back a cookie containing an id number that identifies the session file
5. The browser sends the cookie with each request to that server, so the server can open the session file and read the saved data.

Usually the password is not sent more than once (at login in step 1).

Make your Life Easy

How to Learn Spanish, German, French, or Any Other Language on Your Own or you can Learn anything by following the steps the only thing you need is interest

People often ask me how I go about learning a language. Sure, communication with speakers of my target language plays an obvious and significant role, but studying on my own is also vital. One needs some quiet time in order to learn and understand the grammar and vocabulary before they are practiced in real-world situations. So how can you study alone as effectively as possible? The answer is to redefine your leisure time.

For many of us, leisure time no longer means recuperating from a week’s physical labor. Spending 40 hours a week in an office means we want to be out and active and engaged in our free time: pursuing sporting activities and remaining fit, or indulging in other kinds of self-improvement. With technological advances, more and more companies and products are catering to the desire for staying in shape, both mentally and physically. In this landscape of ever-evolving demands and modes of supply, how can one ensure the most effective and lasting gains? Here are my 7 top takeaway tips from a workshop I did in San Francisco to address this very question:

Here are the Following Tips it can be implement to learn anything that you want

Tip 1: Make a plan

Set aside time to learn every day — even if it’s only ten minutes in the morning, ten minutes in the afternoon and ten minutes before bed. It’s somewhat tedious at the beginning, as there’s always the nagging desire to jump straight into the language and get learning. You’ll save yourself loads of time if you plan your process and note milestones and potential rewards on the road ahead.

Tip 2: Organize your time

We often don’t realize that we actually have much more free time than we think. We say things like, “I’m already so busy. How can I possibly find time to learn?”, but even the busiest schedules have pockets of wasted time that can be spent exposing yourself to the language you are learning. You don’t need to spend six hours a day interrogating grammar books under a bright desk lamp. The intensity of your learning schedule can ebb and flow. Make things flexible, be aware of the time you actually have and organize it according to your language journey.

Tip 3: Keep it regular

Make sure you dedicate some time every day to language learning. This is really important — not only will you make progress every single day, and enjoy the feeling of achievement that comes with that, but you’ll also actually retain what you’ve learned. If you learn ten new words on Monday, review them on Tuesday for a few minutes, then learn ten more, and review those on Wednesday… slowly but surely the information will stick in your head, and you’ll feel much more comfortable using it. Don’t let this routine slip! Even if it’s only an online lesson over breakfast, or a podcast on the way to work, maintaining and sustaining a connection to the language is vital!

Tip 4: Make it fun

Variety is the spice of life. You don’t limit the way you receive information in your native language, so why limit it in another language? Dive into the diverse world of the language you want to learn: watch your favorite sports team with the commentary in your target language; listen to music, podcasts and audio books; watch foreign films with subtitles; surf the web in the language… Anything you can do in English can be done in another language too.

It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand things immediately. After a couple weeks of supplementing your studies with the activities above, your ear will be better tuned, and some of the things you hear will start making sense.

Tip 5: Try it out, make it stick

There is no point in learning a language if you’re not going to use it. Find a way to put this language into practice because, if you don’t use it, you are defeating your own objective to learn. Even if you are just speaking to yourself, it’s better than not speaking at all. Go ahead, make mistakes — it doesn’t matter because the name of the game is to use what you’re learning. This is the best way to retain the information and become comfortable speaking. It’s no use only having it in your head. When you put what you’re learning into practice, you’re using several different techniques at once: speaking, listening, getting immediate live feedback (which will usually be positive), and immersing yourself in the language and culture. Force yourself out of your comfort zone to reap the rewards.

Tip 6: Stay focused

Keep referring back to your initial plan and the objectives you set for yourself. Why are you learning a language again? Ah yes, of course, because you’re splendid. But you still have to train for it like anything else, be it sport, music, a hobby or a new career path. If you put in the time, you will be able to do it. The more you believe in yourself, the more you remain focused. And it’s brilliant: once you reach your goal you’ll be able to speak another language. Everything will fall into place. It won’t always be easy, but there’s a bigger picture, so just go for it.

Tip 7: Reward yourself

It might sound a little bit indulgent, but you deserve it! When you stick to your plans and work towards that ultimate goal, there’s nothing wrong with patting yourself on the back now and then. It takes hard work and commitment, so in order to stay focused pair your short-term goals with rewards that are linked to the language. You’ve earned these language skills, so why not enjoy them?

How to Add a Horizontal Navigation Bar to Blogger

   by Help Other's

Blogger allows you to classify your posts using keywords called "labels." If you consistently write about a certain topic, you may find yourself using a few labels frequently. For example, a blog about computers might have labels such as "Hardware," "Software" and "Reviews." Create a navigation bar at the top of your blog containing links to your most frequently used post labels to give your readers a simple way to navigate your blog's content.

Step 1

Navigate in your Web browser to Blogger.com. Type your Google account information to continue to the Dashboard.

Step 2

Click "Design" under your blog's title to access the design elements of the blog.

Related Reading: How to Make a Tabbed Navigation Bar in Blogger

Step 3

Click the "Add a Gadget" link in the horizontal box under the "Header" field. This displays the Blogger "Add a Gadget" screen.

Step 4

Click the plus sign next to the "Link List" gadget. This brings you to the configuration screen for the gadget.

Step 5

Click the "Title" field, and type "Navigation." You can give the navigation menu another name if you like.

Step 6

Click the drop-down menu next to "Sorting," and make a selection to indicate how Blogger should sort the navigation links. You may sort the links alphabetically or reverse alphabetically. You can also select "Don't Sort" to display the links in the order you enter them.

Step 7

Click the "New Site URL" field, and type or paste the URL of the first post label that you want to use for navigation. A complete URL for a Blogger post label looks like this: "http://(blog name).blogspot.com/search/label/(label name)/."

Step 8

Click the "New Site Name" field, and type the name that you want the navigation bar to display.

Step 9

Click the "Add Link" button, and then repeat Steps 7 and 8 to add additional items to the navigation bar.

Step 10

Click the "Save" button when you are finished. Readers can now click an item on your blog's navigation bar to view all posts filed under that label.

15 best laptops you can buy in 2016

   The best notebooks for your every need

Update: We've added mention of the fantastic HP Chromebook 13 and Asus ZenBook 3 in addition to the latest MacBook rumors. Read on to find out more!

Laptops are on the rise again thanks to Windows 10's arrival, Nivida's efficient Maxwell graphics cards, and fresh new Skylake processors from Intel. Notebooks once thought to be replaced by tablets are more plentiful and diverse than ever between gaming laptops that hook up to liquid-coolers, thin and light Ultrabooks to incredibly affordable Chromebooks. Even Microsoft has gotten into the game with the Surface Book, the company's first ever laptop.

With so many options to choose from, picking the best laptop for your needs is more important than ever. Those who crave fast boot up times and a lightweight machine to carry might drool over an Ultrabook. Serious gamers will gravitate towards gaming laptops tailored to their processing and graphical needs, meanwhile those after flexibility might fancy a convertible laptop-tablet hybrid.

It might seem overwhelming at first – what with all of the available choices – but we're here to help you find the best laptop for you. Believe us when we say that there is a perfect laptop out there for you. With this guide, you'll find the absolutely best machines available today.

1.Dell XPS 13

Dell's latest Ultrabook is a masterpiece ahead of the curve 

CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ (3,200 x 1,800) | Storage: 128GB SSD

The Dell XPS 13 is, bar none, the best laptop you can buy today. It features a revolutionary design that's astonishingly thin and light. Fitting a 13.3-inch screen into an 11-inch frame is no small feat; however, Dell has pulled off a miracle creating a nearly borderless Infinity display. It's a powerful and long lasting machine even by today's Ultrabook standards. The XPS 13 comes outfitted with Intel's latest Skylake processors plus lighting, quick storage and memory, all while coming in at a very affordable starting price. For these reasons, it easily takes the top slot as the best Ultrabook, the best Windows laptop and the best overall laptop.

2. Asus ZenBook UX305

Better than the MacBook and at a fraction of the price

CPU: 900MHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 IPS display | Storage: 256GB SSD

If you're looking for a Windows alternative to Apple's latest rose-tinted MacBook, the Asus ZenBook UX305 might be more your speed. Though it looks like a MacBook clone from every angle, it's actually superior in almost every way. From its purple-tinged aluminum design to its sharp display and hearty helping of built-in storage space, the UX305 puts Windows back in style, fanless design, long battery life and all. And, while the low-cost is enticing, if you're shopping for something with a bit more horsepower (not to mention an even more compact design), look no further than the Asus ZenBook 3.

3. Toshiba Chromebook 2

One of the best looking and most powerful Chromebooks 

CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core i3-5015U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,090 | Storage: 16GB eMMC | Connectivity: Intel Dual-Band Wireless-AC 7260; Bluetooth 4.0 | Camera: HD webcam | Weight: 2.97 pounds | Dimensions: 12.6 x 8.4 x 0.76 inches (W x D x H)

If a sharp screen and fast machine is what you seek, invest in a Toshiba Chromebook 2. It packs a wonderfully colorful full HD screen and an almost overly capable Intel Core i3 processor. Though this particular model comes at a higher premium than other Chromebooks, there's the option of picking a lower-end Celeron model. Either way, this 13-inch laptop is one of the more attractive Chrome OS machines available today and it can run as fast as the overpowered Google Chromebook Pixel 2.

4. 13-inch MacBook Air (early 2015)

Light and faster than ever

CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, LED-backlit glossy display (1,440 x 900) | Storage: 256GB SSD\

When you're looking for something with rock solid reliability, there's always the MacBook Air. Although the latest iteration sticks to its guns with a dated design and low-resolution screen, the Air isn't showing any signs of slowing down on the performance front. Thanks to a capable CPU, this thin and light machine can handle everything from simple web browsing to serious number crunching and even some light gaming. Sure the New MacBook is lighter and thinner, but it does not come with the Air's spread of full-sized ports nor a 13 hour battery life to last you though an entire day.

5. Samsung Notebook 9

Greatness doesn't need to break the bank

CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) LED anti-reflective display | Storage: 256GB

The Samsung Notebook 9 may not be the flashiest title on the list, but at $949 it does offer more bang for the buck than you'll see in most laptops. That's because unlike much of the competition now, it's an Ultrabook with a full-fledged Core i5 Skylake processor. That alone makes it effectively more powerful than a MacBook with a better screen resolution than a MacBook Air while still retaining a lower price point. On the downside, it's the battery life that takes a hit as a result.

6. Surface Book

The ultimate Windows 10 hybrid laptop

CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-6300U | Graphics: Intel HD graphics 520; Nvidia GeForce graphics | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.5-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense Display | Storage: 256GB PCIe3.0 SSD

If you're looking for a more traditional notebook, Microsoft knocked it out of the park with its first ever laptop, the Surface Book. Though it has a peculiar 3:2 aspect ratio and 13.5-inch screen that's outside of the norm for most Ultrabooks, it's one of the best designed convertible laptops ever created. As a standalone tablet, otherwise known as the Clipboard, it's the most powerful and thinnest Windows 10 computers in the world. Then docking the screen into the keyboard base affords it even more performance by way of a discrete GPU.

7. Asus Chromebook Flip

A premium Chromebook that backflips on command

CPU: 1.8GHz Rockchip 3288-C | Graphics: ARM Mali T624 | RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 SDRAM | Screen: 10.1-inch, WXGA (1,280 x 800) IPS multi-touch display | Storage: 16GB eMMC

When most people think of Chromebooks, they might expect some cheap, plastic device that's only just good enough to get them through a day of surfing the web. Asus, on the other hand, offers the fully metal Chromebook Flip that doubles as a tablet just for the heck of it. The 10.1-inch, 2-in-1 Chromebook is an exceedingly light laptop that feels premium to the touch. Thanks its little known Rockchip processor, the Flip can outrun and outlast most other Chrome OS machines

8. MacBook (2016)

Gorgeous, thin and light

CPU: 1.1GHz Intel Core m3 (dual-core) | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 2304 x 1,440 LED-backlit IPS display | Storage: 256GB SSD.

Apple has updated its most attractive laptop yet with an Intel Skylake Core M processor. Still clocking in at 1.1GHz to start, the 2016 MacBook aims at those who don't need power as much as portability and pizazz. The stylish, aluminum unibody design and the Retina display are all back, too. Aside from a 3.5mm headphone jack, the only connector port remains USB-C, though the reversible interface has gained traction since last year's debut. If you're willing to lug cable adapters and take a performance hit in the name of stellar design, the brand new, appetizing Rose Gold finish might be just for you.

9. Lenovo Yoga 900

A thoughtfully refined 2-in-1 convertible

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display | Storage: 512GB SSD

Whereas the Lenovo Yoga Pro 3 had a winning design and underwhelming performance, the Yoga 900 is the full package. By integrating more powerful Intel Core i-series processors and a larger battery, Lenovo's latest flagship convertible can stand toe-to-toe with most Ultrabooks and even Microsoft's latest Surface Book. All this extra power has only made the Yoga 900 slightly thicker and heavier, however, it still largely retains a very thin and flexible frame for folding back into tablet mode. And, for those looking for the thinnest and lightest convertible machine, Lenovo has made an even more compact Yoga 900S.

10. HP Spectre x360

Striking the perfect balance between a laptop and tablet

CPU: 2.2GHz Intel Core i5-5200 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 FHD Radiance LED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD

This beauty comes easily as one of our most recommended 2-in-1 laptops. It's one of the best looking and most powerful hybrid notebooks around, and the vibrant, bright display doesn't hurt either. Although it weighs nearly as much as a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro, its dimensions put it more in line with a MacBook Air. Plus, the fully metal body is a nice touch, even if it ends up making it a bit too heavy for prolonged tablet use. Users who want even more power and the best screen possible should look to the new Skylake model with an OLED screen.

11. MacBook Pro 13-inch with Retina display (early 2015)

Robust and stunning, the MacBook Pro is as good as old reliable

CPU: 2.7GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 6100 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch IPS, 2,560 x 1,600 pixels| Storage: 128GB SSD

The MacBook Pro is a tried and true road warrior. Whether you're a student, graphic designer, desk jockey, photographer, DJ or a simple everyday user, this is one of the most versatile and best laptops ever made. Along with delivering great performance and amazing battery life, this latest MacBook Pro comes with Apple's new fangled Force Touch trackpad giving you access to more gesture commands. It's an even more enticing option when you add up all the bundled freebies including office programs and software upgrades.

If you can wait a few months, though, the rumor mill suggests a MacBook Pro 2016 revision is in the works.

12. HP Spectre x2

A budget Windows tablet filled to the gills with tech

CPU: 1.2GHz Intel Core m7-6Y75 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 1,920 x 1,280 WUXGA+ IPS WLED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD

While the Surface Pro 4 has established itself as one of the very best Windows 10 tablets in the market, the HP Spectre x2 is another standout device that comes at a very attractive price. This Intel Core M-powered 12-inch tablet is a smidge thinner while offering long battery life. Aesthetically, the Spectre x2 feels like an even more premium device with a solid metal body and stylish bar-shaped kickstand. It also comes jam packed with tech including a quadruple speakers and a total of three cameras – that said, if you're looking for the best stylus experience, the Surface Pro 4 still takes the cake

13. HP Chromebook 14

A fun, bright and affordable Chromebook

CPU: 1.83GHz Intel Celeron N2940 processor | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics | RAM: 4GB DDR3 | Screen: 14-inch 1,920 x 1,080 display | Storage: 16GB eMMC

With a 14-inch screen, this HP Chromebook isn't the smallest or lightest Chrome OS device out there. However, it strikes a good balance between ample screen space and portability. A top-notch keyboard and trackpad, coupled with a great screen, makes the Chromebook 14 a joy to write and browse the web on for very little money at all. On the other hand, if you're willing to shell out a bit more for an aluminum design and upgraded performance, HP's Chromebook 13 might be more your style.

14. Dell Latitude 13 7000

A higher class of business laptop we deserve

CPU: 1.10GHz Intel Core m5-6Y57 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB LPDDR3 (1,866MHz) | Screen: 13.3-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) InfinityEdge display | Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD

With its InfinityEdge display, there's no other business Ultrabook quite as compact as the Latitude. The 13-inch laptop easily slips into any bag and you'll barely notice it's there thanks to being so lightweight. The Intel Core m5 processor at the heart of this notebook delivers reliable performance and a double digit battery life. Couple that with an excellent tactile keyboard and a superb glass trackpad, and the Latitude 13 is one of the most comfortable business Ultrabooks you can take on the road with you.

15. Dell Inspiron 13 7000

A great all-around laptop-tablet hybrid for discerning students

CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i7-5500 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 FHD IPS touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD

Then again, for those who don't need the latest tablet on the block and would rather stick to their guns with something more traditional, the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 is a lovely fit. With a metal chassis coated in soft-touch rubber, this Special Edition 13-inch laptop hardly feels like a budget machine. Aside from the more than serviceable computing experience you'll get out of this notebook, the Inspiron 13's screen also flips back, blessing you with a 1080p tablet experience.

Insurance

Insurance

Help and advice on protecting your family and getting the right home and car insurance

Handpicked content for you...

·         Securing your financial future

·         How much does protection insurance cost?

·         Car insurance – what does a good policy look like?

·         Buildings insurance

Car insurance Show

Choosing the right level of cover, getting the best deal, and tips for young drivers.

Expand Car insurance Show

Life and protection insurance Show

Learn about how to protect your financial future and find out more about the differences between life, critical illness and income protection insurance.

Expand Life and protection insurance Show

Home insurance Show

Find out if you need buildings and contents insurance and get help with choosing the right policy and cover.

Expand Home insurance Show

Pet insurance Show

Help with choosing the right pet insurance policy and cover.

Expand Pet insurance Show

Help with insurance Show

Understand what insurance is and how it works. Find out how to buy insurance and how to go about making a claim.

Expand Help with insurance Show

Travel insurance Show

Learn how to choose the right level of cover, get the best deal, and how to make a travel insurance claim.

Expand Travel insurance Show

What is insurance?

What is insurance?

Insurance helps you protect yourself against risks like a house fire, car accident or burglary. You can also get insurance that pays you money if you get too ill to work or to provide for your family if you die.

• How insurance works
• Do you need insurance?

How insurance works

Did you know?

Almost every adult in the UK has some kind of insurance – from car insurance to cover for pets getting ill.

With insurance, you choose what you want to be protected against. Then your insurer calculates the risk that the events to be insured will happen and the insurance provider or insurer will determine the price you will need to pay (your premium).

These are the three main steps.

1. Choose a policy. An insurance policy is a document that lists exactly what you are or aren’t protected against. For example, a travel insurance policy might say that it will cover your medical bills if you injure yourself abroad – but not if you were doing something dangerous, like skiing.
2. Pay the premium. The premium is the amount you pay each month or year (or sometimes just once) to have the insurance. The amount you pay depends on the risk and on the value of the events you’re insuring. For example, if you’re an inexperienced driver it’s more likely that you’ll have an accident, so your car insurance will cost more – and it’ll be even more if you drive an expensive car, because repairs will probably cost more.
3. Make a claim. If something happens that’s covered by the policy, you can claim on your insurance. You tell the insurance company what happened, they check that it’s covered under your policy, and if the claim meets with what you are protected against then they pay you as agreed.

There are a few more things you should know about getting insurance. Find out more in our other guides:

Do you need insurance?

There are lots of different types of insurance – you can cover almost anything, from your wedding to your pets.

Some insurance is compulsory – you can’t drive a car without at least basic car insurance, and you can’t get a mortgage on your house without buildings insurance.

After compulsory insurances, the most important thing is to protect yourself and your family. The types of insurance that you need will depend on what you need to protect. Ask yourself what’s important to you.

• If you have kids, what would happen to them if you died unexpectedly? Life insurance would help make sure they’re looked after financially.
• If you’re travelling abroad, get travel insurance to help pay your hospital fees and other expenses if you get injured or sick.
• If you have a big mortgage, what would happen if you became too ill to work? Income protection insurance could help cover your payments.

Think it over and look at prices – then you can start to decide what you want and what you can afford.