Tech Term Tuesday, Issue 2

Term: Cookie

What is a cookie?

A cookie is a small piece of information usually stored in a text file that is stored on a user’s computer while browsing a web site. This information is later retrieved if one were to revisit that web site at a later date. Cookies are designed to enhance a user’s experience and general ease of use while using the Internet.

Are there any examples?

An example of a cookie being used is on a portal web site such as NetVibes, a free web service that brings together popular media sources and online services. When one initially visits the Netvibes, one can organize how they wish various services to be shown. These preferences are then saved locally to your computer using cookies so that on the next visit these same preferences would already be set.

What do I need to use cookies?

By default any person browsing a website is able to accept cookies. Most browsers have this option set by default. However, one has the option of not having cookies accepted. Read more on setting andconfiguring cookies for each browser.

Any interesting facts?

  • Internet cookies are sometimes called “magic cookies”
  • The name “cookie” comes from a comparison to an unopened fortune cookie, because of the hidden information inside