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Posted in Technology

Computer cookies: are they good or bad?

Explaining “Cookies” (the non-caloric ones that reside on your computer!)

You can’t talk about all those nasty “things” that can “attack” your computer while browsing the Internet, like viruses or spyware, without talking about “cookies.” But what are and are they really bad for my computer?

Okay, let’s define the term first, and then we’ll explain the good and the bad about it.

Biscuits):

A small data file (text and numbers) (piece of information) created by a web server (large computer that stores websites) that is stored on your computer, either temporarily just for that session (the time you spend on a site web) or permanently on the hard drive (persistent cookie). Cookies provide a way for the website you visit and visit again to identify users and track their preferences. Amazon and Barnes and Noble online are very creative in using their cookies that are generated when you visit.

Here’s an example from my computer visiting the Disney.com website:

CP null * disneyworld.disney.go.com / 1088 1761935360 30785590 403215680 29726670 *

Note that the only thing in that string of text and numbers that you can recognize is the name of the website. The rest of the information is simply a set of numbers that only a computer can understand.

Why are cookies important to you? Well, you wouldn’t be able to surf the web like you’re used to if you had restricted cookies on your computer.

Good “cookies” (no calorie type)

Cookies are commonly used to “maintain state” (the current or last known state) of the session (the time spent on a site) while a user browses the site. For example, if you filled out a form and decided to leave it for a moment to view another page, when you return to that form, the information that you already filled out will still be there. Without cookies, the site would not know who you are.

On the 2 websites I mentioned, Amazon and Barnes and Noble, both use a combination of cookies and an online database to recognize you when you return to the site, as well as to “remember” your previous choices and based on those choices. , recommend a possible book. or music options for you on your current visit.

Imagine if you want to walk into a local Barnes and Noble store where an employee immediately recognizes you, walks up to you while calling your name, and escorts you to your own table of books and music. You will see that they have put all your favorite books and musicians on the table, both new and old, all arranged for your quick viewing pleasure!

And, in the table below, there is a sign that says “Other People Who Bought These Items Bought These Items Too” so you can find interesting items that you may never have seen but might find interesting. Wouldn’t that make for a great shopping experience?

Well that’s exactly what it’s like to shop online with a fancy shopping website like Barnes and Noble and Amazon. And it is only because cookies remember who you are that allows this type of service to occur.

The bad side of cookies

Actually, as you have just seen, cookies on your computer are not a bad thing; it’s just that the information they contain can be quite tempting to unscrupulous people. A large part of personal data may reside in cookie files on your computer, such as identification and password information. As a result, this private information store is sometimes under attack, which is the case with some types of spyware.

The default setting (Default refers to a value automatically assigned to a computer program or device) in your web browser generally allows “first party” cookies that do not contain personal information, but not “third party” cookies.

First-party cookies are those created by the website you are visiting. Third-party cookies are created by a different website than the one you are currently visiting; for example, by an external advertiser on that site (pop-up window or banner). The purpose of such cookies is generally to track your browsing habits, which is why third-party cookies are considered an invasion of privacy and are more risky than first-party cookies. In some cases, cookies are used to consolidate and track user behavior on different sites, providing marketers with private information about you without your knowledge. These are so-called tracking cookies.

Aha, now we’re getting somewhere!

Because, a tracking cookie is a somewhat new term for a cookie that has been designed by the above-mentioned ‘unscrupulous’ people doing business on the Web. It is part of the unfortunate phenomenon known as Spyware! But that’s a topic for another full article!

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