A cookie or HTTP cookie is a small parcel of data created by a web server. This data file is then saved on your computer's hard drive as a text document. In short, cookies allow a website to store information on the computer of an internet user for subsequent retrieval. This process is similar to the way in which a fisherman immerses fish pots for a specific period of time before hauling them in. In the very same way that fish pots may differ based on the desired bait, there are different types of cookies. Some have expiration dates while others do not.
General functions of cookies
- Monitor pages viewed and purchases made by users.
- Collect information based on products that a user previously purchased on websites. This will influence the types of ad banners shown to the user upon revisiting the website.
- Collect and memorize personal details that a user may type into a web page. As such you the user, need not retype the information upon your next visit to the site.
Why do websites use cookies?
Cookies were put into general usage because of an inherent weakness of HTTP protocols which websites operate upon. Web-servers are not usually equipped with a platform that makes it possible to fully capture subjective details pertaining to the activities of any single user online.
This inability is referred to as statelessness. If you visit a book website, read several reviews, and ultimately place several books in your shopping cart, after spending thirty minutes in all, the web-server may interpret these activities as being carried out by several people, each spending only a couple seconds. Also, without a cookie, servers may regard each of your multiple visits per day as a first-time visit.
How do cookies work?
When your computer browser connects to a website which uses cookies, a cookie message is automatically sent to your browser. This stores your browsing information and is saved on your hard drive. The information contained may include a customer number, a shopping cart number, a part number along with other things.
Other things you should know about cookies
- You may access and edit a listing of the cookies stored on your computer.
- Some cookies may be safely disabled (third party cookies/cookies from marketing firms.)
- It is however impractical to disable all of your cookies: as some cookies in your browser allow you to do such activities as buying online. taking online classes, using web-based email and registering for premium membership on search sites.
- Cookies may be adversely optimized by hackers and marketers. A common consideration is that shopper profiles may be sold or otherwise used for illegal purposes.
- Anti-spyware programs help to block these unwanted operations while you browse the internet.
Types of computer cookies
- Cookies that enhance browsing.
- Intrusive cookies.
- Adware (ad-serving cookies).
- Spyware (flash cookies).
- Ad blockers.
Sources:
- Oja, D., Parsons, J.J. (2010 )New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2011: Cengage Learning
- Oja, D., Parsons, J.J. (2010) Computer concepts - illustrated introductory: Cengage Learning
- Schneider, G.P,, Evans, J., Pinard, K. (2008) The Internet: Illustrated: Cengage Learning.
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