A+Computer+Cookie

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.
 * A Computer Cookie**


 * 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 replaced the next time the respective site is visited.

The **Temporary Cookie** is very simple. It works by setting aside a little bit of browser cache memory to retain information about a user's activities during his visit. After putting a selected purchase in a shopping cart, for example, the user might continue to search the site for additional products without having to go through a separate checkout for each item. Once the browser is closed, however, all temporary cookies are lost. Return surfers are not recognized, shopping carts are empty, and any other forms or information will have to be provided again.

By contrast**, Permanent Cookies** make it possible for a site to recognize a surfer on a continuous basis. This is accomplished by transferring a text file with a unique ID tag to the visitor's hard disk, while maintaining a matching file on the server. On subsequent visits, the browser automatically hands this cookie over, allowing the site to instantly pull up the matching file.

Today, Permanent Cookies are the most common type of cookie used.
 * Persistent cookies** can exist for years, unless deleted, or until the cookie's internally defined lifetime has passed.

Marketers can now pass third-party cookies to surfers. Sophisticated profiling programs quickly sort the information provided by computer cookies, categorizing targets in several different areas based on statistical data. Age, income level, and even sexual orientation
 * Third-Party Cookies** often have their own controls, as they are normally placed by marketers.

As a concept, the computer cookie dates back to 1994. In that year, it was adapted as a tool for the World Wide Web by Leo Montulli from a similar technique, called "[|magic cookie]," which was used in UNIX® systems.
 * Origin**


 * Cookies** became widely known to the general public. In 1996,