Problems accessing Hotmail from a Mac - removing cookies

[LyraSilvertongue]

I contacted Microsoft over the problems I've been having accessing the Hotmail site. They say they're aware of the problem with macs and are trying to fix it. In the meantime I should remove all cookies from my computer and this should work temporarily.
Does anyone know if this will affect other sites I visit regularly? I know I was asked to enable cookies when I started using online banking but don't really understand what function cookies serve.
Can anyone enlighten me before I remove them all to access Hotmail?
I've emailed Microsoft again but they take ages to reply.

[LyraSilvertongue]

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