What are Cookies?
A computer cookie, also referred to as an "HTTP cookie," is a small text file that contains a unique ID tag, placed on the user's computer by a website. In this file, various information can be stored, from pages visited on the site, to information voluntarily given to the site. These tiny files provide practical benefits to both users and website operators, and generally make surfing the net a smoother experience than it otherwise would be. Nevertheless, privacy advocates tend to be wary of them, since many users are unaware of exactly what information is collected, and how the information may be used or shared. Types of Cookies There are two types of computer cookies: temporary and permanent. Temporary cookies , also called session cookies, are stored for a short time and then removed as soon as the browser is closed. Permanent cookies , also called persistent cookies, are stored for a long time on the user's hard drive and, if deleted, will be ...