Question concerning tracking cookies

Is it really necessary to remove tracking cookies from one's system? I have read, numerous times, that they are harmless and actually can be helpful when revisiting a website. Seems everyone has a different opinion. I have had my computer for 4 years and was turned on to this site by a friend of mine who is a software engineer with Microsoft. Basically all my computer knowledge has been learned from him and this site to which he constantly refers. Believe me---your site is highly respected by all I know in the IT field. If you would please answer my tracking cookie question for me I would really appreciate it. Just recently joined after being a lurker for a couple of years. I LOVE this site. Visit and learn daiily! Your answer will be the "Gospel" as far as I am concerned. Thanks for an awesome site and learning tool!---Dave

 

Thank you chaslang!---have read and used the info in that article many times---that was the exact thing I was looking for---couldn't remember where I saw it---thanks again---Dave