Computer Cookies: Are They Good or Bad?
Explaining “Cookies” (the non caloric ones that reside in your computer!) You can’t talk about all those nasty ‘things’ that can ‘attack’ your computer while you are surfing the Internet, like viruses or spyware, without talking about ‘Cookies’. But what are they and are they really bad for my computer? Ok, first let’s define the term, and then we’ll explain the good and the bad about it. Cookie(s): A small data (text and numbers) file (piece of information) created by a Web server (large computer that stores web sites) that is stored on your computer either temporarily for that session only (the time that you spend on a web site) or permanently on the hard disk (persistent cookie). Cookies provide a way for the Web site that you visit and go back to visit again, to identify users and keep track of their preferences. Amazon and Barnes and Noble online are very creative in the use of their cookies that get generated when you visit. Here’s an example from my computer from visiting the Di
