Well this type of cookie is not the kind that grandma used to make. A cookie in the computer world is a small text file that is stored on your computer’s hard drive by a Web server. The text file stores personalized information about your visit to a Web site. The Web server can then read the text file the next time you return to the Web site and use the information to deliver personalized content. For example, there are several Web sites that deliver the latest news stories, but deliver local news when you access their site. Or those sites that provide you with the local weather forecast for your area. Rest assured though, you are in complete control because a Web site will only store personal information that you choose to provide.

You should also know the difference between a first-party cookie and a third-party cookie. A first party cookie is used to store information for the Web site you are currently viewing. Where as a third party cookie originates from a Web site other than the one you are currently viewing. For example, the Web site you are currently viewing may use third party Web sites for advertising, and these sites may in turn use cookies.

[tags]diana huggins,cookie,small text file,web server,personalized content,first-party cookie,third-party cookie[/tags]