What Are Cookies On A Computer?

What are cookies on a computer and how are they developed when using the internet? When you surf the internet, a digital file is created and sent to the browser directory. The digital files are cookies that are bookmarks or page savers; the cookies inform the server the last task you performed when you visited that website. The cookies contains information about the number of times you visited the website and if the website you visited contains a survey or form. The digital text file will contain your responses to the survey; if it’s a form, your name, address and any personal data will be collected.

Companies use these cookies to track the number of times you visit their website. The cookies allow the company to advertise their product or service to you based on the way you surf their website. If the website you visit is a clothing store and you buy denim jeans, the online store will use that information stored in the cookies to send you email advertisements about shirts or shoes that would look nice with your jeans.

Cookies are helpful when you visit a website because the cookies allow the webpage to load faster. Some websites require you to have your cookies turned on so you can view their features. Keep in mind when visiting websites, cookies are developed from pop-up ads, animation that appear on the webpage and viewing or downloading a document from a website that will ask for your name and email address.

Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome web browsers has an option where you can setup cookie presences to high, medium or low. When you set your privacy settings to high, all cookies are blocked and companies will not be able to send you information without your permission. For example, if you are a college student accessing your university website, you will be prevented from setting up an account, accessing data or signing the university digital certificate. Setting your privacy to medium allows the company to ask your permission, before downloading or sending information to your computer.

When cookies are turned off, no boundaries are set and you will put your computer at risk. Companies can collect information about you at any time. Even hackers will be able to access your personal information. To protect your computer when browsing the internet, set your browser setting to delete your cookies in a certain time frame, install a virus protection program and always update your web browser.