Computer Cookies Definition
A cookie is a computer term for a small text file that websites will store on a computer. There are two main types of cookies, both of which have helpful purposes for using the Internet.
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Definition
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A user's browser will store little messages of information in a "cookie.txt" file. When the user moves from one page to another, the cookies are also passed back and forth from web server to web browser. Cookies contain information regarding user information from that specific website. For example, how many and which pages were visited, log-in information, shopping cart contents, and other volunteered information. The stored cookie will be used to remember this information each time a user returns to the website.
Types
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The two main types of cookies are temporary and permanent. A temporary cookie is deleted as soon as the user ends his/her Internet browser session. A permanent cookie is stored on the computer hard drive and can only be deleted by the user. The other kind of cookie is a third party cookie, which comes from advertisements.
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Function
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Most commonly, cookies help track the habits and activities of website visitors. Also, cookies create a personalized experience for each user--whether it be online shopping cart items that are stored for a future visit, or saving preferences in order to create a custom page for each user.
Misconceptions
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Cookies are not spyware or viruses and they can't read information from a computer. Neither are cookies the source for pop-ups or spam.
Warning
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Cookies do not always correctly authenticate users and could be used for security attacks. If a user is concerned about his privacy being compromised by cookies, he should view the cookies that are stored in the browser. Another option is to limit which websites accept/send cookies, or what time of day cookies may be used. Each browser will have preferences or help options where a user can make these changes.
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