Definition of Cookie Tracking
Cookies play a central role in people's Web browsing--whether they are aware of it or not. Cookies allow people to do many things that they often take for granted, such as password storing and quick Web browsing. Although the function of cookies is mysterious to many, understanding how they track and function can be beneficial to people surfing the Web.
Other People Are Reading
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Cookies
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Cookies are actually sent by Web servers--which store websites. Cookies are small pieces of information or files that the server sends to the individual Web browser. The information is subsequently stored on your personal computer; however, cookies are extremely small and do not take up very much space---even when they accumulate in bulk.
IDs and Passwords
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Many websites that people use today require not only an ID, but a password as well. Websites often have a "remember my password" feature--which is made possible by cookies. Cookies allow the actual Web browser to save both the user name and password.
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E-Commerce
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Online companies often use cookies to their advantage. Rather than requiring people to continually have to re-enter information--such as credit card numbers--they allow the website to save all of the information. They also allow shoppers to save items within a shopping cart--meaning that if they choose not to purchase items, the items will still be there if they wish to purchase them later.
Targeted Marketing
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Cookies allow companies to perform targeted marketing. Targeted marketing allows companies to market products based on the different items or Web pages that you visit. Assuming you visit Web pages on a specific subject, the next time that you log in, the company can automatically advertise specific products based on your saved cookies.
Erasing Cookies
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Cookies can be controlled and erased. If a user wishes to get rid of all saved cookies on their computer, she can simply go into her browser settings and erase the cookies. All browsers, including Internet Explorer and Firefox, allow users to do.
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