What is a Cookie?

Simply put a cookie is a small file that is stored temporarily in your Web Browser that identifies you to a particular web server. Think of it as a “Digital ID Card” that your browser presents at the door of the web page you requested. It does not contain any executable code and it is not capable of scanning your hard drive to extract personal information.

There are two types of cookies: Session cookies which expire and delete from your browser upon ending your browser session; and Persistent Cookies that are stored temporarily until the expiration date is reached.

How Does it Work?

Every time you surf the web and request a certain web site’s URL, you establish an exchange of information between your system and the web server hosting the site. Part of that exchange of information is a cookie that is sent from the Web Server to your browser with user specific identification tags. Next time you point your browser to that specific URL, the cookie is attached to the request to identify you and any preferences you have specified. The web server can then configure the site based on the preferences contained in the cookie. Only the originating server and its sub-domains are able to recognize the cookie. It tells the web server “User (IP Address)” has been here before.

This information is invaluable to web sites because it allows them to track traffic to the site, such as, pages visited, return visits vs. new visits etc. And yes, depending on the sophistication of the server, it can track your browsing habits on that site for marketing purposes. However, it cannot gather information about you unless you specifically supply it through a form that you complete.

What Information is found in a Cookie?

A basic cookie will simply contain the Cookie Name and its value (identifier), the Domain Name, and Path of the web server. Cookies also allow users to customize information based on their preferences.

Some examples include:

· Keeping track of items you have placed in a shopping cart
· Preferences for a customized home pages (i.e., Local Weather Report from the Weather Channel)
· User name and passwords (banks, credit cards and other member services)
· Unique tracking numbers (UPS, Fed Express)
· Past purchases (Amazon, CD World)

Why Would I Want to Accept Cookies?

Bottom line, cookies are tools that enable you to transact in some way with a web server. Without them, some sites simply will not work. If you choose not to accept cookies, it will hamper your full enjoyment of the web and all it has to offer. Yes, there are abuses of the technology but by being net savvy and judicial in choosing reputable sites, you can limit your exposure.